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CHILD'S   Book 


Religion. 


FOR  SUNDA  Y  SCHOOLS  AND  HOMES. 


COMPILED   BY 

O.  B.  FROTHINGHAM. 


NE^V    EDITION",    REVISEID. 


-    •"    *'    '  NEW; YORE':  ':..*•**'••' 
PUBLISHED   BY   D.   G.   FRANCIS, 
No.  17,  AsTOR  Place. 
1871. 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the'  year  iS66.  ty 

O.  B.  FROTHINGHAM, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  District  of  Massa- 
chusetts. 


...    .,•••• 


Boston  : 
Ra/td,  A  very,  (Sr»  Fryr,  Slereotypers  and  Printers. 


*■  -* 


fl3 


o 


PREFACE. 


A  FEW  words  arc  necessary  to  explain  the  purpose 
of  this  little  book,  and  the  wav  in  which  it  may  be  used 
to  the  best  advantage. 

The  author  has  thought  it  wiser  to  make  a  collection 

^        of  materials  for  worship  and  instruction  than  to  arrange 

a  formal  series  of  services  or  lessons  that  might  interfere 

*vith  freedom  of  selection  and  combination  on  the  part 

r        of  the  teacher  or  superintendent. 

The  questions  and  answers  under  the  captions 
5  "  Tjiutii  "  and  "  The  GkiOD  Life  "  are  not  designed 
^  to  take  the  place  of  other  teaching,  either  by  manual  or 
discoui-se ;  but  are  merely  intended  to  supplement  and 
vary  such  teaching  as  may  be  adopted.  Where  manuals 
are  used,  one  of  the  catechisms,  or  some  portion  of  one, 
may  be  read  at  such  intervals  of  time  as  may  be  found 
convenient ;  the  whole  being  recited,  perhaps,  once  in  a 
twelvemonth.  Where  no  manuals  are  used,  but  the 
teachers  a»e  left  mainly  to  their  own  resources,  they  will 
find  abundant  material  for  lessons  in  Part  III.  by  taking 
the  Que^tions  and  Answers,  in  course,  from  week  to 
week  ;  or  by  selecting  single  passages  for  oral  exposiiion. 

213G50     "i 


IV  PREFACE. 

The  "  GOLDEX  Words  "  of  the  former  editions  have 
been  worked  into  the  questions  and  answers. 

The  Creed  may  be  recited  by  tho«  whole  school  in 
unison,  three  or  four  times  in  the  year,  or  on  festival- 
days,  as  the  conductors  of  the  schools  may  decide. 

The  author  is  persuaded  that  the  element  of  worship 
should  enter  more  largely  than  it  does  into  the  system- 
atic instruction  of  the  young.  He  has,  therefore,  made 
copious  selections  in  that  department ;  offering  no  writ- 
ten prayers,  but  endeavoring  to  express  every  form  of 
the  devout  sentiment  in  language  richer  than  he  could 
frame.  The  poetical  pieces  are  designed  to  be  read 
responsively,  like  the  psalms ;  teacher  and  scholars  recit- 
ing the  alternate  lines  in  full  school.  It  is  recommended 
that  one  or  more  of  these,  and  one  or  more  of  the 
pieces  in  the  Second  Part,  be  used  at  each  service ;  the 
choice  of  pieces  being  guided  by  the  feeling  of  the  super- 
intendent, or  by  the  tone  he  wishes  to  give  to  the  general 
exercise.  ^ 

The  special  forms  of  service  for  the  festival -days 
indicate  tlie  order  which  the  writer  has  found  most  con- 
venient in  the  administration  of  his  own  school. 

A  few  hymns  and  tunes  contained  in  the  former  edi- 
tions have  been  omitted,  the  number  of  popular  sing- 
ing-books making  them  needless. 

The  book  is,  in  the  main,  a  compilation ;  astsvery  such 
book  must  be.  All  available  sources  have  been  freely 
drawn  from,  with  suitable  acknowledgment  to  the  au- 
thors.    Where  the  pieces  were  entirely  original,  as  is  the 


PREFACE.  y 

case  with  those  taken  from  A.  J.  Davis's  little  Manual 
for  the  Children's  Lyceum,  special  permission  to  use 
them  was  cordially  granted. 

The  list  of  "  Rules  for  the  Good  Life,"  and  the 
Questions  and  Answers  on  the  subject  of  Rewards  and 
Punishments,  were  copied,  with  some  changes,  from 
Leigh  Hunt's  lovely  little  book,  "  The  Religiox  of 
THE  Heart."  For  the  rest  of  the  Questions  and 
Answers,  and  for  the  Creed,  the  writer  himself  is  respon- 
sible. The  "Legends  of  Virtue"  were  taken  from 
different  collections,  and  have  been  written  out  for  the 
benefit  of  the  younger  children,  who  can  hear  them  read 
by  parent  or  teacher.  The  number  of  them  might  have 
been  indefinitely  increased,  had  the  size  of  the  volume 
not  forbidden. 

Such  as  it  is,  the  book  is  an  experiment.  If  it  make  i 
a  contribution  to  the  meagre  literature  of  the  Sunday 
School  and  the  Home  Worship,  or  fills,  for  a  time,  a 
place  now  unfilled,  the  compiler  will  be  satisfied. 

•  O.  J3.  F. 


Digitized  by  tine  Internet  Arcliive 

in  2007  witli  funding  from 

IVIicrosoft  Corporation 


littp://www.arcliive.org/details/cliildsbookofreliOOfrotiala 


oo:n^tei^ts. 


PART   I. —WORSHIP. 
1.    Calls  to  Prater. 

PAQE. 

The  Child's  Prater .  1 

The  Beautt  of  Prater 2 

Prater  is  or  no  Place 4 

Prater  is  of  no  Form 6 

The  Acceptable  Offering 6 

The  Form  of  Qod        . 7 

The  Call  of  Nature 8 

The  Call  of  the  Flowers 10 

The  Call  of  the  Birds     ....<...  11 

The  Jot  of  Worship 12 

The  Unfinished  Prater 13 

The  Bot  and  the  Angel 14 

The  Child  and  the  Angels 17- 

The  Child  and  the  Dote IS, 

2.    Aspiration. 

O  Lord  I  Thou  hast  searched  me  anb  eitovit  he      .  19 

OoD  OF  THE  Mountain 85 

Praise 86 

The  Good  Shepherd 87 

A  Thanksgiving 88 

Grass  and  Roses 40 

To  A  Sktlark 41 

vii 


Vlll  ■  CONTENTS. 

PAOE. 

Faith              42 

Aspirations  of  Youth 43 

Contrasts 44 

OooD  FROM  Evil .  45 

A  Child  is  born 46 

A  Supplication     .       .       .       .       ; 46 

The  Soul's  Calm 47 

The  Heart's  Prater 48 

The  Hymn  of  Nature 49 

God's  Presence  in  Nature      .......  60 

Praise  to  Nature's  God 61 

Our  Father  in  Heaven 61 

God  is  Love,  and  Love  Alone 62 

Fountain  of  Divine  Love 63 

The  Universal  Prater 65 

Evening  Prater 66 

The  Day  and  the  Night  abb  Thinb 67 

An  Evening  Song 68 

Rest 69 

Song  of  the  Night 59 

Vesper  Utmn 61 

Upward 61 

A  Child's  Htmn 62 

3.    Trust. 

The  Love  of  God 64 

Trusting  Love      ...       . 66 

The  Guides    .       .      '. 67 

Patience '.       .       i       .  68 

Song  of  Faith .-      .  68 

Three  Words  of  Strength    .......  69 

Bong  of  Trust 70 

What  the  Minutes  sat 71 

The  Little  Tree 72 


CONTENTS.  IX 

PAGE. 

A  Doubting  Heart 75 

TJndeb  the  Snow «  76 

One  bt  One    ...........  78 

The  Ark  and  Dove 79 

QiAONESS .80 

Thou,  God,  seest  he  ... 81 

God's  Love  in  the  Flowers 83 

Ministering  Spirits    .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .    '  .  84 

The  Gorse 86 

Peace 87 

ANGEIr<7HIIiDREN 88 

The  Better  Land      . 90 

We  scatter  Seeds 91 

The  Thistle 92 

The  Flight  of  Tiue  .       .       . 92 

Contentment 93 

Some  Murmur 94 

Catching  Sunbeams 95 

Passing  Awat 96 


PART  II.—  THE    GOOD    LIFE. 

Rules  for  the  Good  Life 97 

Punishments 100 

Rewards .       •       .  106 

Lessons  in  the  Good  Life 110 

The  Psalm  of  Life 123 

Little  MoMr.NTn 124 

Little  Fingers 125 

The  Sultan's  Lesson 126 

Agreed  I  — A  Creed 127 

Sowing 128 

Btbite,  Wait,  and  Prat 129 


X  CONTENTS. 

PAGE. 

Give 130 

Sowing  and  Reaping 131 

Words 132 

Wishes 134 

The  Darling  Little  Girl 136 

The  Lesson  of  the  Flowers 137 

The  Beggar 138 

Kindness  to  Animals 140 

(I  jjjQj.  ^o  Myself  Alone  " 141 

Evert  Little  helps 143 

Little  Deeds 144 

Gentleness 145 

Don't  Fret 147 

Let  it  Pass 148 

Lend  a  Hand 150 

Catch  the  Sunshine 151 

The  Fountain 152 

Your  Mission 153 

Charity 155 

Life's  Work 156 

A  Parable 157 

Abob  Ben  Adhem 159 

If  We  Knew  .' 160 

Over  and  Over  Again 161 

The  Little  Bell  in  the  Heart 163 

The  Child's  Wat  to  Heaven 164 

A  Mother's  Love 166 

The  Simple  Life 167 

The  Kingdom  of  God 168 

Follow  Me 169 

The  Builders '      ....  170 

April-Fools    . 172 

IlAFPINESS 173 

The  noLT  Spirit 174 


CONTENTS. 


PART  III.— TRUTH. 

PAGE. 

TALK  BETWEEN  THE  TEACHER  AND  THE  CHILD. 

God 175 

The  Spirit 180 

Jesus  toe  Teacher 185 

Jesds  the  Saint 188 

WOHSHIP 192 

.  Prater 196 

Ddtxes  and  Virtues 200 

Heaven 208 

A  Child's  Creed 211 

Legends  of  Virtue. 

The  Power  of  Trust 212 

To  DO  God's  "Will  is  to  behold  God's  Face  ,  .  .  214 
The  Loving  Ete  sees  Beauty  Everywhere  .  .  .219 
"  He  Prayeth  Best  who  Loveth  Best  "      .       .       .       .    220 

Never  despii^e  Small  Things 221 

Charity  to  the  Sinning 222 

More  Ways  than  One  of  Doing  Good      ....    224 

Charity  the  True  Saintlines^ 228 

Shall  we  ever  tire  of  Heaven? 229 

The  Indian  Boy  and  the  Fire      .       .       .      ".       .       .231 

Power  of  the  Divine  Child 234 

The  Divine  Child  at  Play 239 

The  Divine  Child  with  his  Companions   .       .       .       .240 

Evils  quickly  killed  in  the  Seed 244 

The  Best  Use  for  a  Gift 246 

The  Invisible  Kino 247 

A  Parable  of  Conscience .260 


XU  CONTENTS. 

PAGE. 

A  Chkistmas  Service ■.      .       .  252 

The  Old  Year 255 

The  New  Year 259 

Easter 263 

WniTSUJfDAT 26fl 

The  Christmas  Tree 270 

IlARK  t  A  Burst  of  Il£ATian.T  Mcsio 272 


CHILD'S  Book  of  Worship 


PART  I. 

WORSHIP. 

I. 

Calls  to  Prayer. 


1.    THE  CHILD'S  PRAYER. 

»Y  Alpine  lake,  'neath  shady  rock, 
The  herdboy  knelt  beside  his  flock, 
And  softly  told,  with  j)ious  air. 
His  alphabet  as  evening  prayer. 

Unseen,  his  pastor  lingered  near. 

"My  child,  what  means  the  sound  I  hear? 

]\[ay  I  not  in  the  worship  share. 

And  raise  to  heaven  ray  evening  prayer? 

"Where'er  the  hills  and  valleys  blend,     . 
The  sounds  of  prayer  and  praise  ascend, 
•  My  child,  a  prayer  yours  cannot  be: 
You've  only  said  your  A  B  C." 

1  1 


A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  TIELIQION. 

"I  have  no  better  way  to  pray: 

All  that  I  know,  to  God  I  say; 

I  tell  the  letters  on  my  knees: 

He  makes  the  words  himself  to  j)lease." 

Miss  Lander  {from  the  German), 


2.    THE  BEAUTY  OF  PRAYER. 

IT  is  good  to  pray  unto  God :  for  his  sorrowing 
children 
Turns  he  ne'er  from  the  door;  but  he  heals  and 

helps  and  consoles  them. 
It  is  good  to  pray  when  all  things  are  prospering 

with  us, — 
Pray  in  fortunate  days ;  for  Life's  most  beautiful 

Fortune 
Kneels  down  before  the  Eternal's  throne,  and, 

with  hands  interfolded, 
Praises,  thankful  and  moved,  the  only  Giver  of 

blessings. 
For  do  ye  know,  ye  children,  one  blessing  that 

comes  not  from  heaven  ? 
What  has  mankind  forsooth,  the  poor,  that  it  has 

not  received  ? 
Therefore  fall  on  thy  knee,  and  pray.    The  ser- 
aphs, adoring. 
Cover  with  pinions  six  their  face  in  the  glory  of 

Him  who 
Hung  his  masonry  pendent  on  nought  when  the 

world  he  created. 


WORSHIP.  3 

Earth  dcclarelh  his  might,  and  the   firmament 

spcal^eth  his  glory. 
R;iccs  blossom  and  die,  and  stars  fall  downward 

from  heaven, — 
Downward   like  withered   leaves.     At  the   last 

stroke  of  midnight,  millenniums 
Lay  themselves  down  at  his  feet;  and  he  sees 

them,  and  counts  them  as  nothing. 
Yet  why  do  ye  fear,  ye  children?    This  awful 

Avenger, 
Ah!   is  a  merciful  God.     God's  voice  was  not 

heard  in  the  earthquake, 
Not  in  the  fire,  nor  the  stonn ;  but  it  was  in  the 

whispering  breezes. 
Love  is  the   root  of  creation,  —  God's   essence. 

Worlds  without  number 
Lie  in  his  bosom  like  children.    He  made  them 

for  this  purpose  only, — 
Only  to  love,  and  to  be  loved  again.     He  breathed 

forth  his  Spirit 
Into  the  slumbering  dust ;  and,  upright  standing, 

it  i)laced 
Its  hand  on  its  heait,  and  felt  it  was  waim  with 

a  flame  out  of  heaven. 
Quench,  oh,  quench  not  that  flame!     It  is  the 
^     breath  of  your  being! 

From  the  Sicclixh  of  Tegner, 

Translated  by  Longfellow, 


A   CUJLD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 


3.    PRAYER  IS  OF  NO  PLACE. 

|TI !  wherefore  this  dream  of  the  earthly  abode 
Of  humanity  clothed  in  the  brightness  of 

God? 
Were  our  spirits  but  turned  from  the  outward 

and  dim, 
They  could  gaze  even  now  on  the  presence  of 

Him: 
Not  in  clouds,  nor  in  terrors,  but  gentle  as  when 
In  love  and  in  meekness  he  moved  among  men ; 
And  the  voice   which    breathed    peace  to   the 

waves  of  the  sea 
In  the  hush  of  my  spirit  would  whisper  to  me. 
Then  what  if  our  feet  may  not  tread  where  he 

stood, 
"Nor  our  ears  hear  the  dashing  of  Galilee's  flood, 
Nor  our  eyes  see  the  cross  which  he  bowed  him 

to  bear. 
Nor   our  knees  press   Gethsemane's  garden  of 

prayer  ? 
Yet,  loved  of  the  Father,  thy  spirit  is  near 
To  the  meek  and  the  lowly  and  penitent  here ; 
And  the  voice  of  thy  love  is  the  same,  even  now, 
As  at  Bethlehem's  tomb  or  on  Olivet's  brow. 

J,  G.  Whiaier. 


WORSHIP. 


4.    PRAYER  IS    OF  NO  FORM. 

NOT  all  the  pomp  of  rituals,  nor  the  savor 
Of  giyps  and  spices,  can  the  unseen  One 
please. 
As  if  his  ear  could  bend  with  childish  favor 
To  the  poor  flattery  of  the  organ-keys ! 
Not  puch  the  service  the  benignant  Father 
Ilequireth  at  his  earthly  children's  hands ; 
Not  the  poor  offering  of  vain  rites;  but  rather 
Tine  siraj)le  duty  man  from  man  demands. 
For  he  whom  Jesus  loved  has  truly  spoken  : 
The  holier  worehip  which  he  deigns  to  bless 
Restores  the  lost,  and  binds  the  sjiirit  broken, 
And  feeds  the  widow  and  the  fatherless. 
O  brother-man !  fold  to  thy  heart  thy  brother. 
Where  pity  dwells,  the  peace  of  God  is  there : 
To  woi'ship  rightly  is  to  love  each  other ; 
Each  smile  a  hymn,  each  kindly  deed  a  prayer. 
T'ollow  with  reverent  steps  the  great  example 
Of  Him  whose  holy  work  was  doing  good ; 
So  shall  the  wide  earth  seem  our  Fitther's  temple, 
Each  loving  life  a  psalm  of  gratitude. 

J.  G.   Whiltier 


A   CUILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 


5.     THE  ACCErXABLE   OFFERING. 

TO  licaven  approached  a  pious  saint 
From  wancleiing  in  the  darkness  late, 
And,  Injiping  timidly  and  faint, 
Besought  admission  at  the  gate. 

Said  God,  "Who  seeks  to  enter  here?  " 
"'Tis  I,  dear  friend !"  tlie  saint  re|.lie<l, 

Trembling  all  through  with  hope  and  fear. 
"•If  it  be  tliou^  remain  outside !" 

Sadly  to  earth  the  poor  saint  turned 
To  bear  the  scourging  of  life's  rods ; 

But  still  his  heart  within  him  yearned 
To  mix  and  lose  its  love  in  God's. 

lie  roamed  alone  through  weary  yenrs, 
By  cruel  men  still  scorned  and  mocked ; 

Till,  i)urified  by  fires  and  tears,  * 

Again  he  went,  again  he  knocked. 

Said  God,  "  Who  now  is  at  the  door  ?  "  — 

"It  is  thyself,  beloved  Lord  !" 
The  saint  replied.     lie  doubts  no  more, 

But  passes  in  to  his  reward. 

Alger's  Oriental  Pot  try, 


woRsnip. 


6.    THE  FORM  OF   GOD. 

rO  Mercy,  Pity,  Peace,  and  Love 
All  pray  in  their  distress, 
And  to  these  virtues  of  delight 
Return  their  thankfulness. 

For  Mercy,  Pity,  Peace,  and  Love 

Is  God  our  Father  dear ; 
And  Mercy,  Pity,  Peace,  and  Love 

Is  man,  his  child  and  care. 

For  Mercy  has  a  human  heart ; 

Pity,  a  human  face  ; 
And  Love,  the  human  form  divine; 

And  Peace,  the  human  dress. 

Thus  every  man  in  every  clime, 
Tluxt  prays  in  his  distress, 

Praya  to  the  Human  Form  divine, — 
Love,  Mercy,  Pity,  Peace. 

And  all  must  love  the  Human  Foim, 
In  heathen,  Turk,  or  Jew  : 

Where  Mercy,  Love,  and  V\i\  dwell. 
There  God  is  dwellinir  too. 


WiUUun  niitke. 


A  CniLD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 


7.     THE   CALL  OF  NATURE. 

ri^IIE  harp  at  Nature's  advent  strung 
J-      Has  never  ceased  to  play ; 
The  song  the  stars  of  morning  sung 
Has  never  died  away. 

And  prayer  is  made,  and  praise  is  given, 

By  all  things  near  and  far  : 
The  ocean  looketh  up  to  heaven, 

And  mirrors  every  star. 

Its  waves  are  kneeling  on  the  strand, 

As  kneels  the  human  knee ; 
Their  white  locks  bowing  to  the  sand,  — 

The  priesthood  of  the  sea. 

They  pour  their  glittering  treasures  forth ; 

Their  gifts  of  pearl  they  bring ; 
And  all  the  listening  hills  of  earth 

Take  up  tlie  song  they  sing. 

The  green  Earth  sends  her  incense  up 
From  many  a  mountain  shrine: 

From  folded  leaf  and  dewy  cu[) 
She  pours  her  sacred  wine. 


woRsnip.  9 

The  mists  above  tlie  morning  rills 

Rise  wliite  as  wings  %f  prayer; 
The  altar  curtains  of  the  Iiills 

Are  sunset's  purple  air. 

The  winds  with  hymns  of  praise  are  loud, 

Or  low  with  sobs  of  pain, 
The  thunder  organ  of  the  cloud, 

The  dropping  tears  of  rain. 

"With  drooping  head,  and  branches  crossed, 

The  twilight  forest  grieves, 
Or  speaks  with  tongues  of  Pentecost 

From  all  its  sunlit  leaves. 

The  blue  sky  is  the  temple's  arch ; 

Its  transept,  earth  and  air ; 
The  music  of  its  starry  march. 

The  chorus  of  its  prayer. 

So  Nature  keeps  the  reverent  frame 

With  which  her  years  began. 
And  all  her  signs  and  voices  shame 

The  prayerless  heart  of  man. 

J.  G.   WhUlier. 


10  A    CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 


8.     THE   CALL  OF  THE  FLOWERS. 

LO!  the  lilies  of  the  field, 
How  their  leaves  instruction  yield  I 
Hark  to  Nature's  lesson  given 
By  the  blessed  birds  of  heaven  I 
Every  bush  and  tufted  tree 
Warbles  sweet  philosophy : 
"  Children,  fly  from  doubt  and  sori'ow : 
God  provideth  for  the  morrow  I " 

Say,  with  richer  crimson  glows 
Tlie  kingly  mantle  than  the  rose  ? 
Say,  have  kings  more  wholesome  fare 
Than  we  poor  citizens  of  air  ? 
Bai-ns  nor  hoarded  grain  have  we  ; 
Yet  Ave  carol  merrily. 
"  Children,  fly  from  doubt  and  sorrow : 
God  provideth  for  the  morrow." 

One  there  lives  whose  guardian  eye 
Guides  our  humble  destiny; 
One  there  lives,  who.  Lord  of  all, 
Keeps  his  creatures,  lest  they  fall. 
Pass  we  blithely,  then,  the  time, 
Fearless  of  the  snare  and  lime, 
Free  from  doubt  and  faithless  soitow  : 
God  provideth  for  the  morrow. 

Siihop  Ileber. 


woRsnip.  11 


9.    TUB  CALL  OF  THE  BIRDS. 

LIST  to  the  birds  that  sing ! 
Pluck  the  primroses ;  pluck  the  violets ; 
Pluck  the  daisies ; 
Sing  their  praises : 
Friendship  with  the  flowers  noble  thoughts 
begets. 
Come  forth  and  gather  these  sweet  elves ; 
Come  and  gather  them  yourselves; 
Learn  of  the  gentle  flowers  whose  worth  is  more 
than  gold. 

Pierce  into  the  bowers 
Of  the  gentle  flowers, 
Which  not  in  solitude 
Dwell,  but  with  each  other  keep  society, 
And  with  a  simple  piety 
A  re  ready  to  be  woven  into  garlands  for  the  good. 
Or  upon  summer  earth 
To  die  in  virgin  worth, 
Or  to  be  strewn  before  the  bride. 
And  the  bridegroom  by  her  side. 
Come  forth  on  Sundays, 
Come  forth  on  Mondays, 
Come  forth  on  any  day! 

Worship  the  God  of  Nature  in  your  childhood ; 
Worship  him  at  your  tasks  with  best  endeavor; 
Woiship  him  in  your  sports ;  worsliip  him  ever. 


12  A    VUILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

Worsliip  him  in  the  wild  wood ; 
"Worsliip  liiiii  amidst  the  flowers ; 
Phick  tlie  buttcrciips,  and  raise 
Your  voices  in  his  praise. 

Edward  Youl  (altered) 


10.    THE  JOY   OF  WORSHIP. 

OH  !  SWEETER  than  the  man-iage  feast, 
'Tis  sweeter  far  to  me, 
To  walk  togetlier  to  the  cliurch  » 

With  a  goodly  company ! 

To  walk  together  to  the  church, 

And  all  together  pray, 
While  each  to  his  great  Father  bends, 
Old  men  and  babes,  and  loving  friends, 

And  youths  and  maidens  gay! 

He  prayeth  Avell  wlio  loveth  well 
Both  man  and  bird  and  beast. 

He  prayeth  best  who  loveth  best 

All  things,  both  great  and  small ; 
For  the  dear  God  who  loveth  us, 

He  mitde  and  loveth  all.  « 

8.  T.  Coleridge. 


WORSHIP.  13 


11.    THE  UNFINISmSD  PRxVYER. 

"  XfO^  I  ^«V  me."  —  «  Sny  it,  darling." 
JLl      "Lay  mo,"  lisped  the  tiny  lips 

Of  my  daughter,  kneeling,  bending 
O'er  her  folded  finger-tips. 


•*Do\vn  to  sleep."  —  "  To  sleep,"  she  murmured,- 
And  the  curly  head  dropped  low, — 

"I  pray  the  Lord."     I  gently  added, 
"  You  can  say  it  all,  I  know." 


"Pray  the  Lord"  —  the  words  came  faintly, 
f'ainter  still  — "  my  soul  to  keep  : " 

Then  the  tired  head  fairly  nodded, 
And  the  child  was  fast  asleep. 


But  the  dewy  eyes  half  opened 
When  I  clasped  her  to  my  breast ; 

And  the  dear  voice  softly  whispered, 
*' Mamma,  God  knows  all  the  rest." 


1-4  A  CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

Oh  the  trusting^,  sweet  confiding 
Of  tlio  child-heart !     Would  that  I 

Thus  might  trust  my  heavenly  Father,' 
Him  who  hears  my  feeblest  cry  I 


12.    THE  BOY  AND   THE  ANGEL. 

MORNING,  evening,  noon,  and  night, 
"  Praise  God ! "  sang  Theocrite. 
Then  to  his  poor  trade  he  turned. 
By  which  the  daily  bread  was  earned. 
Hard  he  labored,  long  and  well ; 
O'er  the  work  his  boy's  curls  fell : 
But  ever  at  each  period 
He  stopped,  and  sang,  "  Praise  God  !  " 
Then  back  again  his  curls  he  threw, 
And,  cheerful,  turned  to  work  anew. 
Said  Blaise,  the  listening  monk,  "  Well  done ! 
I  doubt  not  thou  art  heard,  my  son, 
As  well  as  if  thy  voice  to-day 
Wore  praising  God  the  Pope's  great  way. 
This  Easter  Day,  the  Pope  at  Rome 
Praises  God  from  Peter's  dome." 
Said  Theocrite,  «  Would  God  that  I 
Might  praise  him  that  great  way,  and  die!'* 

Night  passed,  day  shone, 
And  Theocrite  was  gone. 


WORSHIP.  15 

With  God  a  day  endures  alway ; 

A  thousand  years  are  but  a  day. 

God  said  in  heaven,  "Nor  day  nor  night 

Now  brings  tlie  voice  of  my  delight." 

Tlien  Gabriel,  like  a  rainbow's  birth, 

Spread  his  wings,  and  sank  to  earth ; 

Entered  in  flesh  the  empty  cell ; 

Lived  there,  and  played  the  craftsman  well ; 

And,  morning,  evening,  noon,  and  night, 

Praised  God  in  place  of  Theocrite. 

And  from  a  boy  to  youth  he  grew : 

The  man  put  off  the  stripling's  hue ; 

The  man  matured,  and  fell  away 

Into  the  season  of  decay ; 

And  ever  o'er  the  trade  be  bent, 

And  ever  lived  on  earth  content. 

God  said,  "  A  praise  is  in  my  ear : 

There  is  no  doubt  in  it,  no  fear. 

So  sing  old  worlds,  and  so 

New  worlds  that  from  my  footstool  go ; 

Clearer  loves  sound  other  ways  : 

I  miss  my  little  human  praise." 

Then  forth  sprang  Gabriel's  wings ;  off  fell 
The  flesh  disguise ;  remained  the  cell. 
'Twas  Easter  Day :  he  flew  to  Rome, 
And  paused  above  St.  Peter's  dome. 
In  the  robing-room,  close  by 
The  great  outer  gallery, 
With  his  holy  vestments  dight. 
Stood  the  new  Pope,  Theocrite : 


16  A    CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

Aiicl  all  his  past  career 

Came  back  upon  him  clear, 

Since  when,  a  boy,  he  plied  his  trade, 

'Till  on  his  lite  the  sickness  weighed; 

And  in  his  cell,  when  death  drew  near, 

An  angel  in  a  dream  brought  cheer ; 

And,  rising  from  the  sickness  drear, 

He  grew  a  priest,  and  now  stood  here. 

To  the  east  with  praise  he  turned. 

And  on  liis  sight  the  angel  burned. 

"I  bore  thee  from  thy  craftsman's  cell, 

And  set  thee  here :  I  did  not  well. 

Vainly  I  left  ray  angel  sphere ; 

Vain  was  thy  dream  for  many  a  year : 

Thy  voice's  praise  seemed  weak ;  it  dropped ; 

The  chorus  of  creation  stopped ! 

Go  back,  and  praise  again 

The  early  way,  while  I  remain. 

With  that  weak  voice  which  we  disdain. 

Take  up  creation's  pausing  strain. 

Back  to  the  cell  and  poor  employ ; 

Become  the  craftsman  and  the  boy  1 " 

Theocrite  grew  old  at  home : 

A -new  pope  dwelt  in  Peter's  dome. 

One  vanished  as  the  other  died : 

They  sought  the  good  God  side  by  side. 

B.  Browning. 


WORSHIP.  17 


13.     THE  CHILD  AND  THE  ANGELS. 

THE  sabbatlPs  sun  was  setting  low 
Amidst  the  clouds  at  even : 
"  Our  Fatlier,"  breathed  a  voice  below, — 
"  Father  who  art  in  heaven." 

Beyond  the  earth,  beyond  the  clouds. 

Those  infant  words  were  given  : 
"  Our  Fathei',"  angels  sang  aloud,  — 

"  Father  who  art  in  heaven." 

• 
"Thy  kingdom  come,"  still  from  the  ground 

That  child-like  voice  did  pray ; 
"Thy  kingdom  come,"  God's  hosts  resound 

Far  up  the  starry  way. 

"Thy  will  bo  done,"  with  little  tongue 

That  lisping  love  implores; 
"Thy  will  be  done,"  the  angelic  throng 

Sing  from  the  heavenly  shores. 

"  Forever,"  still  those  lips  repeat 

Their  closing  evening  prayer ; 
"  Forever,"  floats  in  music  sweet 

High  'midst  the  tiugels  there. 

Charltt  Swdiii. 


18  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 


14.    THE   CHILD  AND  THE  DOVE «. 

THERE  sitteth  a  dove  so  white  and  fair, 
All  on  tlie  lily  spray, 
And  she  listeth  how  to  Jesus  Christ 

The  little  children  pray. 
Lightly  she  spreads  her  friendly  wings, 

And  to  heaven's  gate  hath  sped, 
And  unto  the  Father  in  heaven  she  bears 
The  prayers  which  the  children  have  said. 

And  back  she  comes  from  heaven's  gate, 

And  brings  —  that  dove  so  mild  — 
From  the  Father  in  heaven  who  hears  her  s[)oak 

A  blessing  on  every  child. 
Then,  children,  lift  up  a  pious  prayer: 

It  hears  whatever  you  say, — 
That  heavenly  dove  so  white  and  fair, 

All  on  the  lily  spray.  . 

Fredriha  Bremer  ( Trcmt.  by  Mary  Ilowitt). 


X 


woRsnip.  19 


2. 


Aspiration. 


OLORD!  thou  hast  searched  me  and  known 
inc. 
Thou  knowest  my  resting  and  my  visinp: ; 
Thou  understandest  my  thoughts  afar  ofK- 
Thou  watchest  my  path  and  my  lying-down, 
And  art  acquainted  with  all  my  ways. 
Before  the  word  is  on  my  tongue, 
Behold,  O  Lord !  thou  knowest  it  altogether. 
Tliou  besettest  me  behind  and  before, 
And  layest  thine  hand  upon  me.' 
Whither  shall  I  go  from  thy  Spirit, 
And  whither  shall  I  flee  from  thy  presence  ? 
If  I  ascend  into  heaven,  thou  ai-t  there  ; 
If  I  make  my  bed  in  the  under-world,  behold  I 

thou  art  there. 
If  I  take  the  wings  of  the  morning. 
And  dwell  in  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  sea ; 
Even  there  shall  thy  hand  lead  me. 
And  thy  right  hand  shall  hold  me. 
If  I  say,  Surely  the  darkness  will  cover  me, 
Even  the  night  shall  be  light  about  me. 


20  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

Yes,  the  darkness  hideth  not  from  thee, 

But  the  night  shineth  as  the  day : 

The  darkness  and  the  Ught  are  both  alike  to  thee. 

How  precious  to  me  are  thy  thoughts,  O  God ! 

How  great  is  the  sum  of  them  ! 

If  I  sliould  count  them,  they  would  outnumber 

the  sand. 
When  I  awake,  I  am  still  with  thee. 
Search  me,  O  God !  and  know  my  lieart ; 
Try  me,  and  know  my  thouglits ; 
And  see  if  there  be  any  evil  way  in  me; 
And  lead  me  in  the  way  everlasting. 

n. 

I  will  extol  thee,  my  God,  ray  King; 

I  will  praise  thy  name  for  ever  ami  ever. 

Every  day  will  I  bless  thee, 

And  praise  thy  name  for  ever  and  over. 

Great  is  the  Loitl,  and  greatly  to  be  praised : 

His  greatness  is  nnsearcliable. 

The  Lord  is  gracious,  and  full  of  compassion ; 

Slow  to  anger,  and  rich  in  mercy. 

The  Lord  is  good  to  all, 

And  his  tender  mercies  are  over  all  his  works. 

The  Lord  upholdeth  all  that  fall, 

And  raiseth  np  all  that  are  bowed  down. 

The  eyes  of  all  wait  upon  thee,  » 

And  thou  givest  them  their  food  in  due  season. 

Thou  openest  thine  liand,         , 

And  satisfiest  the  desire  of  every  living  thing. 


WORSHIP.  ^ 

The  Lord  is  just  in  all  his  ways, 
And  merciful  in  all  his  works.    " 
The  Lord  is  nigh  to  all  that  call  upon  him,— 
To  all  that  call  upon  him  in  truth. 
He  meets  the  desire  of  them  thaffear  him ; 
He  heareth  their  cry,  and  helpeth  them. 
The  Lord  presei*veth  all  those  that  love  him  : 
Let  all  men  bless  his  holy  name  for  ever  and 
ever. 


in. 

Praise  ye  the  Lord. 

Praise  the  Lord,  O  my  soul ! 

I  will  praise  the  Lord  as  long  as  I  live ;  ^ 

I  will  sing  praises  to  my  God  while- 1  have  my 

being. 
He  made  heaven  and  earth ; 
The  sea,  and  all  that  is  therein. 
He  keepeth  truth  forever ; 
He  maintaincth  the  cause  of  the  oppressed ; 
He  giveth  food  to  the  hungry ; 
He  setteth  free  the  prisoners ; 
He  openeth  the  eyes  of  the  blind ; 
He  raiseth  them  that  are  bowed  down ; 
He  loveth  the  good  ;  ^ 

He  defendcth  the  stranger ; 
He  relieveth  the  fatherless  and  the  widow ; 
He  gathereth  together  the  exiles ; 
He  healeth  the  broken  in  heart. 
And  bindeth  up  their  wounds. 


22  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION: 

lie  lifteth  up  the  lowly ; 
He  casteth  the  wicked  down  to  the  ground. 
He  covereth  the  heavens  with  clouds ; 
He  causeth  grass  to  grow  on  the  mountains. 
•  He  giveth  to  the  beast  his  food  ; 
He  delighteth  not  in  the  strength  of  the  horse  ; 
He  taketh  not  pleasure  in  the  power  of  a  man : 
The  Lord  taketh  pleasure  in  those  that  love  him. 
In  those  that  trust  in  his  mercy. 
Great  is  the  Lord,  and  mighty  in  power ; 
His  understanding  is  infinite. 

IV. 

Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul ! 

O  Lord,  my  God  !  thou  art  very  gi*eat ; 

Thou  art  clothed  with  glory  and  majesty ; 

Thou  coverest  thyself  with  light  as  with  a  gar- 
ment. 

He  spreadeth  out  the  heavens  like  a  curtain  ; 

He  layeth  the  beams  of  his  chambei*s  in  the 
waters ; 

He  maketh  the  clouds  his  chariot ; 

He  rideth  on  the  Avings  of  the  wind ; 

He  maketh  the  winds  his  messengers ; 

The  flaming  lightnings  are  his  ministers. 

He  sendeth  forth  the  springs  in  brooks ; 

•They  run  among  the  mountains  ; 

They  give  drink  to  all  the  beasts  of  the  forest : 

Near  them  the  birds  of  heaven  have  their  habi- 
tation. 


WORSHIP.  23 

He  causeth  grass  to  spring  up  for  cattle, 

And  herbage  for  the  service  of  man. 

The  mighty  trees  are  full  of  sap  : 

There  the  birds  have  their  nests. 

He  set  the  moon  to  mark  the  seasons  : 

The  sun  knoweth  when  to  go  down. 

He  maketh  darkness,  and  it  is  night, 

When  all  the  beasts  of  the  forest  go  forth : 

The  young  lions  roar  for  prey, 

And  seek  their  food  from  God. 

The  sun  ariseth  :  they  retire, 

And  lie  down  in  their  dens. 

Man  goeth  forth  to  his  labor  until  the  evening. 

All  creatures  look  up  to  thee 

To  give  them  their  food  in  due  season. 

Thou  givest  it  to  them  :  they  take  it. 

Thou  openest  thine  hand :  they  are  satisfied  with 

good. 
Thou  hidest  thy  face  :  they  are  confounded. 
Thou  takest  away  their  breath :  they  die. 
And  return  to  the  dust. 

Thou  sendest  forth  thy  Spirit ;  they  are  created  : 
And  thou  renewest  the  face  of  the  earth. 
I  will  sing  to  the  Lord  as  long  as  I  live ; 
I  will  sing  praise  to  my  God  while  I  have  being. 

% 

Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soxil ! 

And  all  that  is  within  me,  bless  his  holy  n  ime. 

Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul ! 

And  for<;et  not  all  his  benefits : 


24  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION'. 

Who  forgivetli  all  thine  iniquities ; 

Who  healetli  all  thy  diseases; 

Who  saveth  thy  life  from  destruction ; 

Who  crowneth  thee  with  loving-kindness  and  ten- 
der mercies. 

The  Lord  is  merciful  and  gracious, 

Slow  to  anger,  and  rich  in  mercy. 

Pie  hath  not  dealt  with  us  according  to  dUr  sins, 

Nor  requited  us  according  to  our  iniquities. 

As  high  as  are  the  heavens  above  the  earth, 

So  great  is  his  mercy  to  them  that  trust  him. 

As  far  as  the  east  is  from  the  west. 

So  far  hath  he  removed  our  transgressions  from 
us. 

Even  as  a  father  pitieth  his  children, 

So  the  Lord  pitieth  them  that  trust  him. 

As  for  man,  his  days  are  as  grass  : 

As  a  flower  of  the  field,  so  he  flourisheth. 

The  wind  passes  over  it,  and  it  is  gone ; 

And  its  place  shall  know  it  no  more  : 

But  the  mercy  of  the  Lord  is  from  everlasting  to 
everlasting. 

And  his  goodness  to  children's  children. 

Bless  the  Lord,  ye  his  angels, — 

Ye  mighty  ones  that  do  his  commands ; 

Bless  the  Lord,  all  ye  his  hosts,  — 

Ye  servants  of  his  that  do  his  pleasure ; 

Bless  the  Lord,  all  his  works ; 

Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul  I 


WORSHIP.  25 


VI. 

The  Lord  is  my  shepherd :  I  shall  not  want. 

He  maketh  me  to  lie  down  in  green  pastures ; 

He  leadeth  me  beside  the  still  waters ; 

He  refrosheth  my  heart ; 

He  leadeth  me  in  the  paths  of  righteousness 

For  his  name's  sake. 

"When  I  walk  through  thf  dark  valley, 

1  fear  no  evil ;  for  thou  art  with  me : 

Thy  crook  and  thy  staff  they  comfort  me. 

Thou  preparest  a  table  for  me  in  sight  of  my  ene- 
mies ; 

My  cup  runneth  over. 

Sui'Cly  goodness  and  mercy  shall  follow  me  all  the 
days  of  my  life, 

And  I  will  dwell  ia  the  house  of  the  Lord  forever. 

'  vn. 

The  heavens  declare  the  glory  of  God ; 
The  firmament  showeth  the  work  of  his  hands. 
Day  uttercth  wisdom  unto  day, 
And  niglit  showeth  knowledge  unto  night. 
They  have  no  speech  nor  language ; 
Their  voice  is  not  heard : 
Yet  their  sound  goeth  forth  to  all  the  earth, 
And  their  words  to  the  ends  of  the  world. 
The  law  of  the  Lord  is  perfect,  refreshing  the 
soul  j 


26  A    CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION: 

The  precepts  of  the  Lord  are  sure,  making  wise 
the  simple ; 

The  statutes  of  the  Lord  are  right,  rejoicing  the 
heart ; 

The  commandments  of  the  Lord  are  pure,  enlight- 
ening the  eyes ; 

The  service  of  the  Lord  is  clean,  enduring  forever; 

The  judgments  of  the  Lord  are  true  and  righteous. 

Oh !  cleanse  thou  me  from  secret  faults ; 

Keep  back  thy  children  fi'om  presumptuous  sins. 

May  the  words  of  my  mouth  and  the  meditation 
of  my  heart 

Be  acceptable  in  thy  sight,  O  Lord,  my  strength 
and  my  redeemer  I 

# 

vni. 

I  will  lift  up  my  eyes  to  the  hills, 

From  whence  cometh  my  help. 

My  help  cometh.  from  the  Lc*d, 

Who  made  heaven  and  earth. 

He  will  not  suffer  thy  foot  to  be  moved : 

He  that  keepeth  thee  will  not  slumber  ; 

Behold,  he  that  keepeth  us  will  never  slumber  nor 

sleep. 
The  Lord  is  our  keeper ; 
The  Lord  is  our  shade  on  the  right  hand. 
The  sun  shall  not  smite  us  by  day. 
Nor  the  moon  by  night. 
The  Lord  shall  preserve  us  from  all  evil ; 
He  shall  pi'eserve  oui"  souls. 


WORSHIP.  27 

The  Lord  shall  preserve  our  going-out  and  our 

coming-in 
From  this  time  forth,  and  even  for  evermore. 

IX. 

The  Lord  is  my  light  and  my  safety: 

Whom  shall  I  fear  ? 

The  Lord  is  the  strength  of  my  life : 

Of  whom  shall  I  be  afraid  ? 

When  tempters  come  upon  me  to  destroy  me, 

They  stumble  and  fall.   * 

Though  an  army  should  encamp  about  me. 

My  heart  should  not  fear ; 

Though  war  should  rise  against  me. 

In  God  would  I  trust. 

One  thing  I  have  desired  of  the  Lord,  — 

That  I  will  seek  for,  — 

That  I  may  dwell  in  the  house  of  the  Lord  all 

the  days  of  my  life ; 
That  I  may  behold  the  beauty  of  the  Lord,  and 

see  his  truth. 
For,  in  the  time  of  trouble,  he  shall  hide  me  in 

his  tent ; 
In  a  corner  of  his  tent  he  shall  hide  me ;  he  shall 

set  me  on  a  rock. 
Then  shall  my  head  be  lifted  up  above  my  enemies. 
Therefore  will  I  bring  him  sacrifices  of  joy : 
I  will  sing,  I  will  sing  praises  unto  the  Lord. 
Hear,  O  Lord  1  when  I  cry  to  tliec  with  my  heart; 
Have  pity  upon  me,  and  answer  mo. 


28'  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

When  thou  saidst,  "  Seek  ye  my  face," 

My  heart  said,  "  Thy  face.  Lord,  I  will  seek." 

Hide  not  thy  face  from  me ; 

Put  me  not  away  from  thee. 

Thou  hast  been  my  help  ;  leave  me  not : 

Do  not  forsake  me,  O  God  of  my  safety ! 

When  my  father  and  mother  forsake  me, 

Then  the  Lord  will  take  me  up. 

Teach  me  thy  way,  O  Lord  I 

Lead  me  in  a  plain  path. 

Let  me  not  fall  under  the  power  of  temptation ; 

For  the  tempters  have  risen  up  all  about  me. 

I  must  think  I  see  the  goodness  of  the  Lord  day 

by  day. 
Wait  on  the  Lord ;  be  of  good  courage :  he  shall 

strengthen  thy  heart. 
Wait,  I  say,  on  the  Lord. 


I  will  bless  the  Lord  at  all  times ; 

His  praise  sliall  be  continually  in  my  mouth. 

My  soul  shall  exult  in  the  Lord  : 

The  humble  shall  hear  me,  and  be  glad. 

Oh !  magnify  the  Lord  with  me ; 

Let  us  exait  his  name  together. 

I  sought  the  Lord,  and  he  heard  me ; 

He  delivered  me  from  all  my  fears. 

They  looked  up  to  him,  and  were  lightened ; 

And  I  was  saved  from  shame. 


WORSHIP.  29 

This  poor  soul  cried,  and  the  Lord  heard ; 

He  saved  it  from  all  its  trouble. 

The  angel  of  the  Lord  encamps  about  them  that 

trust  hira, 
And  protects  them. 

Oh !  taste  and  see  how  good  is  the  Lord. 
Blessed  are  they  that  trust  him. 
Trust  the  Lord,  ye  children  : 
They  that  trust  him  have  no  want. 
Come,  ye  children,  hearken  .unto  me : 
Thou  wilt  teach  us  the  fear  of  the  Lord. 
Who  is  it  that  loves  life,  — 
That  loves  the  days  for  the  good  they  bring? 
Keep  our  tongue  from  evil, 
Our  lips  from  speaking  guile. 
Lead  us  from  evil  toward  the  good ; 
Make  us  love  peace,  and  secure  it. 
The  eyes  of  the  Lord  are  on  the  righteous ; 
His  ear  is  open  to  their  cry. 
They  cry,  and  the  Lord.heareth; 
He  delivereth  them  from  all  their  troubles. 
The  Lord  is  nigh  to  them  that  are  of  a  broken 

heart ; 
He  saveth  such  as  are  of  a  co&trite  spirit. 
Though  the  troubles  of  the  good  be  many, 
The  Lord  delivereth  him  from  them  all. 
The  Lord  defendeth  the  lives  of  his  servants, 
And  none  that  trust  in  him  shall  be  deserted. 


30  A   CniLD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 


XI. 

As  the  stag  panteth  for  the  water-brooks, 

So  pant  our  souls  for  thee,  O  God ! 

Our  heart  thirsteth  for  tliee,  the  living  God  : 

When  shall  we  come  to  the  presence  of  God  ? 

When  I  think  of  thee,  I  pour  out  my  heart  to  thee, 

And  we  ours,  with  the  voice  of  joy  and  praise. 

Why  art  thou  cast  down,  O  my  soul  ? 

Why  art  thou  uneasy  within  us  ? 

Hope  ye  in  God : 

We  shall  yet  see  the  light  of  his  countenance. 

The  Lord  will  show  his  loving-kindness  in  the 

daytime ; 
In  the  night,  his  song  shall  be  in  our  mouth. 
Oh !  send  out  thy  light  and  thy  truth ; 
Let  them  lead  us  to  thy  holy  hill. 
God  is  our  refuge  and  strength, 
A  very  present  help  in  trouble. 
We  will  not  fear,  though  the  earth  be  shaken, 
Though  the  mountains  be  carried  into  the  sea, 
Though  the  waters  of  the  sea  roar. 
Though  the  mountains  tremble  with  their  rage. 
God  is  with  us  : 
We  shall  not  be  moved. 
God  will  help  us. 
And  that  quickly. 
The  mighty  God  is  with  us ; 
The  ancient  God  is  our  safety. 
Be  still,  and  you  shall  feel  the  presence  of  God. 
The  mighly  God  is  with  us ;  the  ancient  God  is 

our  safety. 


WORSHIP.  31 


xn. 


Praise  waiteth  for  thee,  O  God ! 

Unto  thee  shall  the  vow  be  paid. 

O  Thou  that  hearest  prayer ! 

All  people  shall  come  to  thee. 

Blessed  are  they  whom  thou  choosest : 

They  shall  be  satisfied  with  thy  goodness. 

Thou  art  the  confidence  of  all  the  ends  of  the 

earth, 
And  of  them  that  are  far  off  on  the  sea. 
Thy  strength  setteth  fast  the  mountains : 
They  are  girded  with  thy  power. 
Thou  stillest  the  noise  of  the  seas; 
Thou  stillest  the  noise  of  the  people. 
They  that  dwell  in  the  desert  have  tokens  of 

thee: 
Thou  makest  the  morning  and  the  evening  sing. 
Thou  visitest  the  earth,  and  waterest  it; 
Thou  preparest  corn  in  its  season ; 
Thou  waterest  the  hills ; 
Thou  waterest  the  valleys  ; 
Thou  makest  the  ground  soft  with  showers ; 
Thou  blessest  the  tender  shoot ; 
Thou  crownest  the  year  with  thy  goodness  ; 
Thy  footsteps  are  followed  by  plenty. 
The  rain  falls  on  the  green  spots  in  the  desert ; 
The  little  hills  re-echo  with  joyfulness; 
The  pastures  are  covered  with  flocks ; 
The  valleys  are  covered  with  corn  ; 
They  shout  for  gladness, 
They  sing  for  joy. 


32  A   CUILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION: 

XIII. 

Oh  1  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord ;  for  he  is  good : 

For  his  mercy  endureth  forever. 

Oh  !  give  thanks  unto  the  God  of  gods ; 

For  his  mercy  endureth  forever. 

Oh  !  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord  of  lords ; 

For  his  mercy  endureth  forever. 

To  liim  who  alone  doeth  great  wonders ; 

For  his  mercy  endureth  forever. 

To  him  that  by  great  wisdom  made  the  heavens ; 

For  his  mercy  endureth  forever. 

To  him  that  stretched  out  the  earth  above  the 

waters ; 
For  his  mercy  endureth  forever. 
To  him  that  made  great  lights ; 
For  his  mercy  endureth  forever. 
The  sun  to  rule  by  day ; 
For  his  mercy  endureth  forever. 
The  moon  and  stars  to  rule  by  night ; 
For  his  mercy  endureth  forever. 
To  him  that  gave  to  us  our  freedom ; 
For  his  mercy  endureth  forever. 
To  him  who  hath  carried  us  through  the  Red  Sea ; 
For  his  mercy  endureth  forever. 
To  him  who  gave  us  our  land  for  a  heritage ; 
For  his  mercy  endureth  forever. 
To  him  who  remembered  us  in  our  weakness; 
For  his  mercy  endureth  forever. 
And  hath  redeemed  us  from  our  enemies ; 
For  his  mercy  endureth  forever. 


woiiSijiP.  33 

Who  giveth  food  to  all  creatures ; 

For  his  mercy  endureth  forever. 

Oh !  give  thanks  unto  the  God  of  heaven ; 

For  his  mercy  endureth  forever. 

XIV. 

Oh !  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord ;  for  he  is  good : 
For  his  mercy  endureth  forever. 
Let  the  elders  say, 
His  mercy  endureth  forever. 
Let  all  the  children  say, 
His  mercy  endureth  forever. 
Let  them  that  trust  in  the  Lord  say, 
His  mercy  endureth  forever. 
I  called  on  the  Lord  in  my  distress  : 
The  Lord  answered  me,  and  raised  me  up. 
The  Lord  is  on  my  side  : 
I  will  not  fear  what  man  can  do  unto  me. 
The  Lord  taketh  my  part : 
Therefore  I  will  not  fear  them  that  hate  me. 
It  is  better  to  trust  in  the  Lord 
Than  to  put  confidence  in  men ; 
It  is  better  to  trust  in  the  Lord 
Than  to  put  confidence  in  princes. 
The  Lord  is  my  strength  and  song; 
He  is  become  my  safety. 
The  right  hand  of  the  Lord  is  lifted  ; 
The  right  hand  of  the  Lord  is  mighty. 
The  Lord  doth  try  me  sorely ; 
But  ho  does  not  destroy. 
s 


34  A    CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

Open  the  gates  of  goodness, 

And  I  will  thankfully  go  in. 

I  will  praise  thee ;  for  thou  hast  heard  me. 

And  hast  become  my  safety. 

God  is  the  Lord,  Avho  hath  showed  us  light. 

I  will  not  bring  to  the  Lord  that  which  hath  cost 

me  nothing. 
Thou  art  my  God,  and  I  will  praise  thee : 
Thou  art  my  God ;  I  will  exalt  thee. 
Oh !  give  thanks  unto  ih'e  Lord ;  for  he  is  good : 
For  his  mercy  endureth  forever.      \ 


WORSHIP.  35 


15.    GOD  OP  THE  MOUNTAIN. 


G' 


OD  of  the  mountain, 
God  of  the  storm, 
God  of  the  flowers, 
God  of  the  worm, 
God  of  the  darkness, 

God  of  the  sun, 

God  of  the  beautiful, 

God  of  each  one, 

Breathe  on  our  spirits  thy  love  and  thy  healing ; 

Teach  us  content  with  thy  fatherly  dealing; 

Teach  us  to  love  thee. 
To  love  one  another,  brother  his  brother; 

And  make  us  all  free, — 
Free  from  the  bondage  of  old  supei-stition. 
Free  from  contempt  of  our  comrade  and  neigh- 
bor. 
Help  us  each  one  to  fulfil  his  true  mission  ;     " 
And  teach  us  'tis  noble,  'tis  godlike,  to  labor. 


86  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 


16.    PRAISE. 

KING  of  comfort,  King  of  life, 
TIiou  hast  cheered  me ; 
And,  when  fears  and  doubts  weie  rife, 

Thou  hast  cleared  me. 
Not  a  nook  in  all  my  breast, 

But  thou  fill'st  it ; 
Not  a  thought  that  breaks  my  rest, 

But  thou  kill'st  it. 
Day  and  night — not  once  a  day  — 

I  will  bless  thee ; 
And  my  heart  in  new.  array 

I  will  dress  thee. 
Not  one  minute  in  the  year 

But  I'll  mind  thee : 
As  my  seal  and  bi'acelet  here 

I  will  bind  thee. 
In  thy  word,  as  if  in  heaven, 

I  will  rest  me ; 
And  thy  promise,  till  made  even, 

There  shall  feast  me. 
And  if,  dear  Lord,  when  to  thy  board 

Thy  child  comes  begging,  - 
He  hath  a  flower,  or  to  his  power 

Some  lesser  offering,  — 
When  thou  hast  made  thy  beggar  glad, 

And  filled  his  bosom, 
Let  him,  though  poor,  drop  at  thy  door 

His  tiny  blossom. 

Henry  Vau£ihan. 


WORSHIP.  SI 


17.    THE  GOOD   SHEPHERD. 

REGION  of  life  and  light ! 
Land  of  the  good  whose  earthly  toils  are 
o'er! 

No  frost  nor  heat  may  blight 

Thy  vernal  beauty,  fertile  shore, 
Yielding  thy  blessed  fruits  foreverniore ! 

There  without  crook  or  sling 
Walks  the  Good  Shepherd.    Blossoms  white  and 
red 

Round  his  meek  temples  cling ; 

And,  to  sweet  pastures  led, 
His  own  loved  flock  beneath  his  eye  is  fed. 

He  guides,  and  near  him  they 
Follow  delighted  ;  for  he  makes  them  go 

Where  dwells  eternal  May, 

And  heavenly  roses  blow 
Deathless,  and  gathered  but  again  to  grow. 

lie  leads  them  to  the  height 
Named  of  the  infinite  and  long-sought  good, 

And  fountains  of  delight ; 

And  where  his  feet  have  stood 
Springs  up  along  the  way  their  tender  food ; 

And  when  in  the  mid  skies 
The  climbing  sun  has  reached  his  highest  bound, 

Reposing  as  he  lies 

With  all  his  flock  around, 
Ho  witches  the  still  air  with  numerous  sound. 


21S650 


88  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

From  his  sweet  lute  flow  forth 
Immortal  harmonies,  of  power  to  still 

All  passions  born  of  earth, 

And  draw  the  ardent  will 
Its  destiny  of  goodness  to  fulfil. 

Might  but  a  little  part, 
A  Avandering  breath,  of  that  high  melody 

Descend  into  my  heart. 

And  change  it  till  it  be 
Transformed  and  swallowed  up,  O  Love!  in  thee,— 

Ah !  then  my  soul  should  know, 
Beloved,  where  thou  liest  at  noon  of  day, 

And,  from  this  place  of  woe 

Released,  should  take  its  way 
To  mingle  with  thy  flock,  and  never  stray. 

W.  C.  Bryant  (frOm  the  Spanisli). 


18.    A  THANKSGIVING. 

FOR  the  wealth  of  pathless  forests. 
Whereon  no  axe  may  fall ; 
For  the  winds  that  haunt  the  bvanchcs; 

The  young  bird's  timid  call ; 
For  the  red  leaves  dropped  like  rubies 

Upon  the  dark-green  sod  ; 
For  the  waving  of  the  forests,  — 
I  thank  thee,  O  my  God ! 

For  the  sound  of  waters  gushing 

In  bubbling  beads  of  light; 
For  the  fleets  of  snow-white  lilies 

Firm-anchored  out  of  sight; 


WORSHIP.  39 

For  the  reeds  among  the  eddies, 

The  crystal  on  the  clod; 
For  the  flowing  of  the  rivers,  — 

I  thank  thee,  O  ray  God  ! 

For  the  rosebud's  break  of  beauty 

Along  the  toiler's  way ; 
For  the  violet's  e^e,  that  opens 

To  bless  the  new-born  day; 
For  the  bare  twigs,  that  in  summer 

Bloom  like  the  prophet's  rod  ; 
For  the  blossoming  of  flowers,  — 

I  thank  thee,  O  my  God ! 

For  the  lifling-up  of  mountains, 

In  brightness  and  in  dread  ; 
For  the  peaks  where  snow  and  sunshine 

Alone  have  dared  to  tread ; 
For  the  dark  of  silent  gorges, 

Whence  mighty  cedars  nod  ; 
For  the  majesty  of  mountains, — 

I  thank  thee,  O  my  God ! 

For  the  splendor  of  the  sunsets. 

Vast  mirrored  on  the  sea ; 
For  the  gold-fringed  clouds,  that  curtain 

Heaven's  inner  mystery ; 
For  the  molten  bars  of  twilight, 

Where  thought  leans,  glad,  yet  awed ; 
For  the  glory  of  the  sunsets,  — 

I  thank  thee,  O  ray  God ! 


40  A   GUILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

For  the  earth,  and  all  its  beauty; 

The  sky,  and  all  its  light ; 
For  the  dim  and  soothing  shadows 

That  rest  the  dazzled  sight; 
For  unfading  fields  and  prairies. 

Where  sense  in  vain  has  trod  ; 
For  the  world's  exhaustless  beauty,  — 

I  thank  thee,  O  my  God ! 

For  an  eye  of  inward  seeing ; 

A  soul  to  know  and  love ; 
For  these  common  aspirations, 

That  our  high  heirship  prove  ; 
For  the  hearts  that  bless  each  other 

Beneath  thy  smile,  thy  rod : 
For  the  amaranth  saved  from  Eden,  — 

I  thank  thee,  O  my  God ! 

For  the  hidden  scroll  o'erwritten 

With  one  dear  Name  adored  ; 
For  the  heavenly  in  the  human, 

The  Spirit  in  the  Word  ; 
For  the  tokens  of  thy  presence 

Within,  above,  abroad ; 
For  thine  own  great  gift  of  Being, — 

I  thank  thee,  O  my  God  ! 

From  Lucy  Larcom^s  Poems. 


19.     GRASS  AND  ROSES. 


I  LOOKED  where  the  roses  were  blowing; 
Tliey  stood  among  grasses  and  reeds : 
I  said,  "Where  such  beauties  are  growing, 
Why  suffer  these  paltry  weeds?" 


WORSHIP.  4i 

Weepincf,  the  poor  things  faltered, 
"  We  have  neither  beauty  nor  bloom : 

We  are  grass  in  the  roses'  garden ; 
But  our  Master  gives  us  this  room. 

"  The  slaves  of  a  generous  Master, 

Born  from  a  world  above, 
We  came  to  this  place  in  his  wisdom*; 

We  stay  to  this  hour  from  his  love. 

"We  have  fed  his  humblest  creatures; 

We  have  served  liim  truly  and  long : 
He  gave  no  grace  to  our  features; 

We  have  neither  color  nor  song. 

"Yet  He  who  has  made  the  roses 

Placed  us  on  the  selfsame  sod  ; 
He  knows  our  reason  for  being : 

We  are  grass  in  the  garden  of  God." 

Javies  Freeman  Clarke, 


20.    TO  A   SKYLARK. 

UP  with  me,  up  with  me,  into  the  clouds ! 
For  thy  song,  lark,  is  strong ; 
Up  with  me,  up  with  me  into  the  clouds. 

Singing,  singing ! 
With  clouds  and  sky  about  thee  ringing, 
Lift  me,  guide  me,  till  I  find 
That  spot  which  seems  so  to  thy  mind. 

I  have  walked  through  wildernesses  dre.iry, 
And  to-day  my  heart  is  weary : 
Had  I  now  the  wings  of  a  fairy, 
Up  to  thee  would  I  fly. 


42  A   CniLD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

There  is  madness  about  thee,  and  joy  divine 

In  tliat  song  of  thine  : 

Lift  rae,  guide  me,  high  and  high, 

To  thy  banqueting-place  in  the  sky. 


21.    FAITH. 

IN  the  gloaming,  when  my  darlings. 
In  their  dainty  robes  of  white, 
By  the  mother's  knee  have  murmured, 
"Jesus,  keep  us  through  the  night," 

To  their  little  crib,  white-curtained. 
Where  the  upper  shadows  fall. 

Nestled  in  my  arms,  I  take  them 
Through  the  long,  unlighted  hall. 

Swift,  in  rayless  silence,  round  us 

Close  the  deepening  shades  of  night : 

"Dark!"  my  blue-eyed  Bertie  whispers. 
Half  in  awe,  and  half  in  fright. 

"Dark!"  the  baby-brother  echoes, 
With  a  hush  upon  his  glee  : 

Then  my  Bertie,  nestling  nearer. 
Whispers  softly,  "  Papa,  see ! " 

Blessed,  blessed  faith  of  childhood ! 

Father,  gi-ant  this  faith  to  me : 
Dark  the  shadows  round  me  gather  ; 

But  I  know  that  thou  dost  see. 


woiisnip.  43 


22.     ASPIRATIONS  OF  YOUTH. 

HIGHER,  higher,  will  we  climb, 
Up. to  the  mount  of  glory, 
That  our  names  may  hve  through  lime 

In  our  country's  story : 
Happy,  when  her  welfare  calls, 
He  who  conquers,  he  who  falls. 

Deeper,  deeper,  let  us  toil 

In  the  mines  of  knowledge ; 
Nature's  wealth  and  learning's  spoil 

Win  from  school  and  coUego ; 
Delve  we  there  for  richer  gems 
Than  the  stars  of  diadems. 

Onward,  onward,  may  we  press, 

Through  the  path  of  duty: 
Virtue  is  true  happiness  ; 

Excellence,  true  beauty. 
Minds  are  of  celestial  birth  : 
Make  we,  then,  a  heaven  of  earth. 

Closer,  closer,  let  us  knit 

Hearts  and  hands  together. 
Where  our  fireside  comforts  sit 

In  the  wildest  weather. 
Oh !  they  wander  wide  who  roam, 
For  the  joys  of  life,  from  homo. 

Jamtt  JfoHli/omery. 


44  A   CHILL'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 


23.     CONTRASTS. 

EVERY  day  some  vision  rises 
That  confounds  the  old  with  new ; 
Life  is  full  of  strange  disguises, 

And  the  false  may  seem  the  true  ; 
And  the  spirit  by  the  letter 
Oft  is  chained  with  lawless  fetter. 

Strangely  blent  are  joy  and  sorrow, 
Parts  alike  of  God's  great  plan  ; 

Tears  to-day,  and  smiles  to-morrow. 
Reconcile  them  as  we  can : 

We  but  see  how  time  discloses 

Thorns  to  pluck  from  beds  of  roses. 

Hand  in  hand  see  age  and  childhood. 
Silver  locks,  and  curls  of  gold : 

Go  they  to  the  grave,  or  wildwood  ? 
Which  shall  first  the  shroud  infold  ? 

And  what  matter,  when  the  ages 

Show  how  short  life's  longest  stages  ? 

Side  by  side  go  want  and  splendor  : 
On  which  most  shall  pity  fill  ? 

Which  has  brightest  gems  to  render 
Unto  Him  who  seeth  all  ? 

Which,  when  fades  the  transitory, 

Shall  behold  the  fullest  glory  ? 


WORSEIP.  45 

Ah !  short-sighted  mortals  vainly 

Seek  all  things  to  understand : 
When  the  veil  is  lifted,  plainly 

Shall  we  see  the  guiding  hand, — 
Good  from  evil  still  awaiting, 
Life  from  death  emancipating. 

Mrs.  L,  I.  Viningi 


24.     GOOD    FROM    EVIL. 

JOY  ripens  where  the  days  make  night 
With  bitterest  draughts  of  sorrow  ; 
Hope  leaps  to  meet  the  dancing  light 
That  ushers  in  the  morrow. 

Through  clouds  and  tears,  and  angry  fears, 
Dead  hopes,  and  fruit  untasted, 

The  resurrected  spring  appears, 
Unheralded,  unhasted. 

We  gather  flowers  too  soon  to  reap 

The  harvest's  glad  fruition  ; 
We  blight  the  fairest  hope,  then  weep 

To  find  it  but  a  vision. 

And  yet  the  rainbow's  silver  sheen 

Is  born  of  many  a  sorrow. 
And  fields  that  glow  in  living  green 

Are  slumbering  in  the  morrow. 

Each  star  that's  lost,  and  dream  that  cost 

Such  anguish  in  its  going. 
But  builds  a  bridge  of  gold  across 

The  river's  sullen  flowing. 


46  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

These  dark,  lone  days  are  God's  good  ways, 

Revealing  sunny  places : 
Life's  dying  years  have  many  tears ; 

Yet  cloud  they  angel-faces. 

Come  on,  then,  toil  and  fear  and  pain, 

That  bar  the  golden  portal : 
Through  suffering,  garner  wo  the  grain ; 

Through  death,  become  immortal. 


25.    A  CHILD  IS  BORN. 

A  CHILD  is  born  :   now  take  the  germ,  and 
make  it 

A  bud  of  moral  beauty.    Let  the  dews 
Of  knowledge,  and  the  light  of  virtue,  wako  it 

In  richest  fragrance  and  in  purest  hues;  ' 
For  soon  the  gathering  hand  of  death  will  break  it 

From  its  weak  stem  of  life,  and  it  shall  lose 
All  power  to  charm :  but  if  that  lovely  flower 

Hath  swelled  one  pleasure,  or  subdued  one  pain, 
Oh !  who  shall  say  that  it  has  lived  in  vain  ?     - 


26.    A  SUPPLICATION. 

WILT  Thou  not  visit  me  ? 
The  plant  beside  me  feels  Thy  gentle 
dew ; 
Each  blade  of  grass  I  see, 
From  Thy  deep  earth  its  quickening  moisture 
drew. 


WORSHIP.  47 

Wilt  Thou  not  -vasit  me  ? 
Thy  morning  calls  on  me  with  cheering  tone ; 

And  every  hill  and  tree 
Lend  but  one  voice, —  the  voice  of  Thee  alone. 

Come ;  for  I  need  Thy  love 
More  than  the  flower  the  dew,  or  grass  the  rain: 

Come,  like  Thy  Holy  Dove, 
And  let  me  in  Thy  sight  rejoice  to  live  again. 

Yes,  Thou  wilt  visit  me  : 
Nor  plant  nor  tree  Thine  eyes  delight  so  well, 

As  when,  from  sin  set  free. 
Our  spirits  come  with  Thine  in  peace  to  dwell. 

Jones   Very. 


27.    THE  SOUL'S  CALM. 

WHEN  winds  are  raging  o'er  the  upper  ocean, 
And  billows  wild   contend   with    angry 
roar, 
Tis  said,  far  down  beneath  the  wild  commotion, 
That  peaceful  stillness  reigneth  evermore. 

Far,  far  beneath,  the  noise  of  tempests  dieth, 
And  silver  waves  chime  ever  j^caeefully  ; 

And  no  rude  storm,  how  fierce  soe'er.it  flieth, 
Disturbs  the  sabbath  of  that  deeper  sea. 


48  A    CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGIOX. 

So  to  the  heart  that  knows  Thy  love,  O  Purest  I 
There  is  a  temple  sacred  evermore, 

And  all  the  Babel  of  life's  angry  voices 

Dies  in  hushed  stillness  at  its  peaceful  door. 

Far,  far  away,  the  roar  of  passion  dieth. 

And  loving  thoughts  rise  calm  and  peacefully ; 
And  no  rude  storm,  how  fierce  soe'er  it  flieth, 

Disturbs  the  soul  that  dwells,  O  Lord !  in  thee* 

Mrs.  n.  B.  Slowe. 


28.    THE   HEART'S   PRAYER. 

AS  down  in  the  sunless  retreats  of  the  ocean 
Sweet  flowers  are  springing  no  mortal  can 
see; 
So  deep  in  ray  soul  the  still  prayer  of  devotion, 
Unheard  by  the  world,  rises  silent  to  thee, 
My  God !  silent  to  thee  ; 
Pure,  warm,  silent  to  thee. 

As  still  to  the  star  of  its  worship,  though  clouded, 

The  needle  points  faithfully  o'er  the  dim  sea ; 
So   dark   when   I    roam,   in   this   wintry  world 
shrouded. 
The  hope  of  my  spirit  turns  trembling  to  thee, 
My  God !  trembling  to  thee ; 
True,  sure,  trembling  to  thee^ 

Thomas  Moore. 


woRsnip.  49 


29.     THE   HYMN   OF  NATURE. 

THE  heavenly  spheres  to  thee,  O  God ! 
Attune  their  evening  hymn  : 
All-wise,  All-holy,  thou  art  praised 

In  song  of  seraphim. 
Unnumbered  systems,  suns,  and  worlds, 

Unite  to  worship  thee ; 
While  thy  majestic  greatness  fills 
Space,  time,  eternity. 

Nature,  a  temple  worthy  thee. 

Beams  with  thy  light  and  love. 
Whose  flowers  so  sweetly  bloom  below, 

Whose  stars  rejoice  above ; 
Whose  altars  are  the  mountain-cliflGj 

That  rise  along  the  shore ; 
Whose  anthems,  the  sublime  accord 

Of  storm  and  ocean  roar. 

Her  song  of  gratitude  is  sung 

By  Spring's  awakening  houi-s ; 
Her  Sunmicr  offers  at  thy  shrine 

Its  earliest,  loveliest  flowers ; 
Her  Autumn  brings  its  golden  fruits, 

In  glorious  luxury  given ; 
While  Winter's  silver  heights  reflect 

Thy  brightness  back  to  heaven. 

•  Doming. 

4 


50  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 


30.    GOD'S  PKESENCE  IN  NATURE. 

THOU  art,  O  God !  the  life  and  light 
Of  all  this  wondrous  world  we  see : 
Its  glow  by  day,  its  smile  by  night, 
Are  but  reflections  caught  from  thee. 
Where'er  we  turn,  thy  glories  shine  ; 
And  all  things  fair  and  bright  are  thine. 

When  Day  with  farewell-beam  delays 
Among  the  opening  clouds  of  even, 
And  we  can  almost  think  wo  gaze 
Through  golden  vistas  into  heaven. 
Those  hues  that  make  the  sun's  decline 
So  soft,  so  radiant.  Lord,  are  thine. 

When  youthful  Spring  around  us  breathes, 
Thy  Spirit  warms  her  fragrant  sigh ; 
And  every  flower  the  Summer  wreathes 
Is  born  beneath  thy  kinflling  eye. 
Where'er  we  turn,  thy  glories  shine  ; 
And  all  things  fair  and  bright  are  thine. 

Thomas  Moore. 


woRsnip.  51 


31.    PRAISE  TO  NATURE'S  GOD. 

LAUDED  be  Thy  name  forever,  — 
Thou  of  Ufo  the  guard  and  giver  I 
Thou  who  slumberest  not,  nor  sleepest, 
Blest  are  they  Thou  kindly  keepest. 
God  of  stillness  and  of  motion, 
Of  the  rainbow  and  the  ocean, 
Of  the  mountain,  rock,  and  river, 
Lauded  be  thy  name  forever ! 

God  of  evening's  peaceful  ray, 

God  of  every  dawning  day 

Rising  from  the  distant  sea, 

Breathing  of  eternity,  — 

Thine  the  flaming  sphere  of  light, 

Thine  the  darkness  of  the  night : 

God  of  life,  that  fade  shall  never, 

Glory  to  thy  name  forever  1 

Jama  Uogg. 


32.    OUR  FATHER  IN  HEAVEN. 

HOLY,  holy,  holy  Lord  I 
In  the  highest  heaven  adored. 
Dwelling  with  the  loving  heart, 
Truly  thou  our  Father  art. 
From  thy  love  our  spirits  came  : 
Father)  hdlowed  be  thy  name ! 


52  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

In  our  spirits  may  we  feel 
Filial  love,  thy  Spirit's  seal : 
Then,  in  all  our  want  or  wealth, 
Joy  or  sorrow,  pain  or  healtli. 
Still  our  prayer  shall  be  the  same,  — 
"  Father,  hallowed  be  thy  name ! " 

Living  near  to  thee  alway, 
Thy  command  may  we  obey ; 
Gladly  by  thy  hand  be  led ; 
Seek  from  thee  our  daily  bread  ; 
While  our  daily  prayer  we  frame, — 
"  Father,  hallowed  be  tliy  name  ! " 


33.    GOD  IS  LOVE,  AND  LOVE  ALONE. 

LORD  and  Father,  great  and  holy. 
Fearing  nought,  we  come  to  thee ; 
Fearing  nought,  though  weak  and  lowly; 

For  thy  love  has  made  us  free. 
By  the  blue  sky  bending  o'er  us. 

By  the  green  earth's  flowery  zone, 
Teach  us,  Lord,  the  angel-chorus,  — 
"Thou  art  lore,  and  love  alone." 

Though  the  worlds  in  flame  should  perish, 

Suns  and  stars  in  ruin  fall. 
Trust  in  thee  our  hearts  should  cherish ; 

Thou  to  us  be  all  in  all. 


woRSuip.  53 

And,  though  heaven  thy  name  is  praising, 

Seraphs  hymn  no  sweeter  tone 
Than  the  strain  our  hearts  are  raising,  — 

"  Thou  art  love,  and  love  alone  1 " 

*  F.   W.  Farrar. 


34.    FOUNTAIN  OF  DIVINE  LOVE. 

LET  us  sing  the  praise  of  Love  I 
Holy  Spirit,  Heavenly  Dove, 
Bringing  on  its  blessed  wings 
Life  to  all  created  things. 
Wheresoe'er  its  light  is  shed, 
Sorrow  lifts  its  drooping  head; 
And  the  tears  of  grief  that  start 
Turn  to  sunshine  in  the  heart. 

Love  Divine  I  all  things  are  thine ; 

Every  creature  seeks  thy  shrine ; 

And  thy  boundless  blessings  fall 

With  an  equal  love  on  all. 

Let  us  sing  the  praise  of  Love, 
Everywhere,  —  around,  above; 
Watching  with  its  starry  eyes 
From  the  blue  of  boundless  skies  ; 
Heeding  when  the  lowly  call ; 
Mindful  of  a  sparrow's  fall ; 
Writing  on  the  flower-wreathed  sod, 
**God  is  love,  and  love  is  God." 


64  A   CniLD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

Love  Divine  !  all  things  are  tliine ; 
Every  creature  seeks  thy  shrine ; 
And  thy  boundless  blessings  fall 
With  an  equal  love  on  all. 

Let  us  sing  the  praise  of  Love, 
Fairest  of  all  things  above  : 
How  its  blessed  sunshine  lies 
In  the  light  of  loving  eyes  1 
And,  when  words  are  all  too  weak, 
How  its  deeds  of  mercy  speak  I 
,    They  who  learn  to  love  aright 
Pass  from  darkness  into  light.- 

Love  Divine !  all  things  are  thine ; 

Every  creatui'e  seeks  thy  shrine ; 

And  thy  boundless  blessings  full 

With  an  equal  love  on  all. 

Let  us  sing  the  praise  of  Love ! 
Shepherd  of  the  lambs  above, 
Nothing  can  forbid  that  we 
Come  in  trusting  love  to  thee. 
Fold  us  closely  to  thy  heart ; 
Make  us  of  thyself  a  part : 
All  the  heaven  our  souls  have  known 
We  have  found  in  thee  alone. 

Love  Divine!  all  things  are  thine ; 

Every  creature  seeks  thy  shrine  ; 

And  thy  boundless  blessings  fall 

With  an  equal  love  on  all. 

Manual  of  A.  J.  Davis. 


WORSHIP.  6£ 


35.    THE  UNIVERSAL  PRAYER. 

FATHER  of  all,  in  every  age, 
In  every  clirae,  adored 
By  saint,  by  savage,  or  by  sage, 
Jehovah,  Jove,  or  Lord ; 

Thou  great  First  Cause,  least  understood, 

Who  all  my  sense  confined 
To  know  but  this,  —  that  thou  art  good. 

And  that  myself  am  blind,  — 

What  conscience  dictates  to  be  done, 

Or  warns  me  not  to  do, 
This  teach  me  more  than  hell  to  shun, 

That  more  than  heaven  pursue. 


If  I  am  right,  thy  grace  impart 
Still  in  the  right  to  stay ; 

If  I  am  wrong,  oh !  teach  my  heart 
To  find  that  better  way. 


«.  • 


Save  me  alike  from  foolish  pride, 
Or  impious  discontent ; 

At  aught  thy  wisdom  has  denied, 
Or  aught  thy  goodness  lent. 

Teach  me  to  feel  another's  woe. 
To  hide  tlie  fault  I  see : 

The  mercy  I  to  othere  show, 
That  mercy  show  to  me. 


56  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

This  (lay  be  bread  and  peace  my  lot : 

All  else  beneath  the  sun 
Thou  know'st  if  best  bestowed  or  not ; 

And  let  thy  will  be  done. 

To  Thee  —  whose  temple  is  all  space ; 

Whose  altar,  earth,  sea,  skies  — 
One  chorus  let  all  beings  raise, 

All  Nature's  incense  rise  1 


Pope. 


36.    EVENING  PRAYER. 

BEFORE  I  close  my  eyes  to-night, 
Let  me  myself  these  questions  ask : 
Have  I  endeavored  to  do  right, 
^  ^  Nor  thought  my  duty  was  a  task? 

Have  I  been  gentle,  lowly,  meek. 

And  the  small  voice  of  conscience  heard? 

When  passion  tempted  me  to  speak, 
Have  I  repressed  the  angry  word  ? 

Have  I  with  cheerful  zeal  obeyed 
What  my  kind  parents  bade  me  do, 

And  not  by  word  or  action  said 

The  thing  that  was  not  strictly  true  ? 


WORSHIP.  57 

In  hard  temptation's  troubled  hour, 

Then  have  I  stopped  to  tliink,  and  pray 

That  God  would  give  ray  soul  the  power 
To  chase  the  sinful  thought  away? 

O  Thou  who  seest  all  ray  heart ! 

Wilt  thou  forgive,  and  love  me  still? 
"Vy^ilt  thou  to  rae  new  strength  impai*t, 

And  make  me  love  to  do  thy  will  ? 

Mrs.  Follen. 


37.    THE  DAY  AND  THE  NIGHT  ARE  THINE. 

1  JADING,  still  fading,  the  last  beam  is  shining. 
-     Father  in  heaven  !  the  day  is  declining  : 
Thine  is  the  darkness,  as  thine  is  the  light : 
We  tinist  thee  by  day,  and  we  trast  thee  by 

night.  , 

From  the  fall  of  the  shade  till  the  morning  bells 

chime. 
Shield  us  from  danger,  and  guard  us  from  crime. 
Father  of  mercy,  oh  I  hear  thou  our  prayer. 

Father  in  heaven,  oh  !  hear  when  we  call, 
Thou  the  Protector  and  Saviour  of  all. 
Fainting  and  feeble,  we  trust  in  thy  might: 
In  doubting  and  darkness,  thy  love  be  our  light ! 


58  A  CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

Let  US  sleep  on  thy  breast  while  the  night-taper 

burns, 
And  wake  in  thine  arms  when  the    morning 

returns. 
Father  of  mercies,  oh !  hear  thou  our  prayer. 


88.    AN  EVENING  SONG. 

LORD,  a  happy  child  of  thine, 
Patient  through  the  love  of  thee. 
In  the  light,  the  life  divine, 
Lives  and  walks  in  liberty. 

Leaning  on  thy  tender  care, 
Thou  hast  led  my  soul  af ight : 
Fervent  was  ray  morning  prayer. 
Joyful  is  my  song  to-night. 

O  my  Father,  Guardian  true  1 
All  ray  life  is  thine  to  keep : 
At  thy  feet  my  work  I  do ; 
In  thine  arms  I  fall  asleep. 

Anna  L.  Waring 


WORSHIP.  60 

39.     REST. 

rilHE  daylight  is  fading  o'er  earth  and  o'er 
J-       ocean ; 

The  sun  has  gone  down  o'er  the  slumbering  sea; 
And  now,  in  the  hush  of  life's  fitful  commotion, 

We  lift  our  tired  spii-its,  blest  Father !  to  thee. 

Oh !   when  onr  feet  stamble  upon  the  dark  moun- 
tains. 

Or  sink  in  the  stormy  and  treacherous  wave. 
Or  seek  in  the  desert  in  vain  for  the  fountains, 

Be  near  in  the  darkness  to  help  and  to  save. 

And  oft  as  the  tumult  of  life's  heaving  billow 
Shall  toss  our  frail  bark,  driving  wild  o'er  night's 
deep, 
Let  thy  guarding  wing  be  stretched   over  our 
pillow, 
And  shield  us  from  evil,  though  death  watch 
our  sleep. 


40.    SONG  OF  THE  NIGHT. 

IT' ATHER  supreme,  thou  high  and  holy  One  I 
To  thee  we  bow,  • 

Now,  when  the  burden  of  the  day  is  gone, — 
Devoutly  now. 


60  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

From  age  to  age  unchanging,  still  tke  same, 

All  good  thou  art : 
Hallowed  forever  be  thy  reverend  name 

In  every  heart ! 

When  tlie  glad  raorn  upon  the  hilk  was  spread. 

Thy  smile  was  there : 
Now,  as  the  darkness  gathers  overhead, 

We  feel  thy  care. 

Night  spreads  her  shade  upon  another  day 

Forever  past : 
So  o'er  our  faults,  thy  love,  we  humbly  pray, 
A  veil  may  cast. 

Silence  and  calm,  o'er  hearts  by  earth  distrest, 

Now  sweetly  steal : 
So  every  fear  that  straggles  in  the  breast 

Shall  faith  conceal. 

Thou,  through  the  dark,  wilt  watch  above  our 
Bleep 

With  eye  of  love ; 
And  thou  wilt  wake  us  when  the  sunbeams  leap 

The  hills  above. 

Oh  I  may  each  heart  its  gratitude  express 

As  life  ex])ands, 
And  find  the  triumph  of  its  happiness 
*  In  thy  commands  I 


WORSpiP.  CI 


41.    VESPER  HYMN. 

NOW,  on  sea  and  land  descending, 
Brings  the  night  its  peace  profound : 
Let  our  vesper  hymn  be  blending 

With  the  holy  calm  around. 
Soon  as  dies  the  sunset  glory. 

Stars  of  heaven  shine  out  above, 
Telling  still  the  ancient  story, — 
Tlieir  Creator's  changeless  love. 

Now,  our  wants  and  burdens  leaving 

To  His  care  who  cares  for  all, 
Cease  we  fearing,  cease  we  grieving ; 

At  his  touch  our  burdens  fall. 
As  the  darkness  deepens  o'er  us, 

Lo !  eternal  stars  arise  ; 
Hope  and  Faith  and  Love  rise  glorious, 

Shining  in  the  Spirit's  skies. 

Samuel  LonQftUoux. 


42.    UPWARD. 

UPWARD,  where  the  stni-s  are  burning, 
Silent,  silent,  in  their  tiirnins 
Round  the  never-changing  pole ; 
Upward,  where  the  sky  is  brightest; 
Upward,  where  the  blue  is  lightest, — 
Lift  I  now  my  longing  souL 


62  A   CHILD'S  BO^K  OF  RELIGION. 

Far  above  that  arch  of  gladness, 
Far  beyond  those  clouds  of  sadness, 

Are  the  many  mansions  fair : 
Far  from  pain  and  sin  and  folly, 
In  that  palace  of  the  holy, 

I  would  find  my  mansion  there. 

Where  the  glory  brightly  dwelleth  ; 
Where  the  new  song  sweetly  swelleth, 

And  the  discord  never  comes  ; 
Where  life's  stream  is  ever  laving. 
And  the  palm  is  ever  waving, — 

That  must  be  the  home  of  homes. 

Blessing,  honor,  without  measure. 
Heavenly  riches,  earthly  treasure, 

Lay  we  at  His  blessed  feet. 
Poor  the  praise  that  now  we  render : 
Loud  shall  be  our  voices  yonder 

When  before  his  throne  we  meet. 

Rev.  n.  Bonar. 


43.    A  CHILD'S  HYMN. 

JESUS,  gentle  shepherd,  lead  me 
To  the  stream  that  softly  flows ; 
In  thy  pastures  guide  and  feed  me, 
Where  each  lamb  thy  calling  knows. 


woiisnip.  63 

There  no  evil  thing  can  find  mo ; 

I  may  lie  upon  thy  breast : 
There  no  crooked  paths  shall  wind  me; 

All  shall  lead  to  peace  and  rest. 

Jesus,  gentle  shepherd,  hear  me ; 

Come  and  call  me  one  of  thine : 
Let  me  walk  henceforth  so  near  thee, 

All  thy  footsteps  shall  be  mine. 

Agatha  EmetL 


64  A   GUILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 


3. 

7'R  US  T. 


1.    THE  LOVE  OF  GOD. 

ALL  things  that  are  on  earth  shall  wholly  pass 
away, 

Except  the  love  of  God,  which  shall  live  and  last 
for  aye. 

The  forms  of  men  shall  be  as  they  had  never 
been ; 

The  blasted  groves  shall  lose  their  fresh  and  ten- 
der green ; 

The  birds  of  the  thicket  shall  end  their  pleasant 
song, 

And  the  nightingdle  shall  cease  to  chant  the  even- 
ing long ; 

The  kine  of  the  pasture  shall  feel  the  dart  that 
kills, 

And  all  the  fair  white  flocks  shall  perish  from  the 
■  hills  ;  -       . 

The  goat  and  antlered  stag,  the  wolf  and  the 
fox, 

The  wild  boar  of  the  wood  and  the  chamois  cf 
the  rocks, 


woRsniP.  65 

And  the  strong  and  fearless  bear,  in  the  trodden 

dust  shall  lie ; 
And  the  dolphin  of  the  sea,  and  the  mighty 

whale,  shall  die. 
And  realms  shall  be  dissolved,  and  empires  be  no 

more; 
And  they  shall  bow  to  death  who  ruled  from 

shore  to  shore ; 
And  the  great  globe  itself,  so  the  holy  writings 

tell, 
With  the  rolling  firmament,  where   the   starry 

armies  dwell, 
Shall  melt  with  fervent  heat:  they  shall  all  pass 

away, 

Except  the  love  of  God,  which  shall  live  and  last 

for  aye. 

W.  C.  Bryant  {from  the  Spanish}. 


2.    TRUSTING  LOVE. 

CIlfLDREN  of  heaven,"  love  ye  the  merciful 
Father; 
Wish  what  the  Holy  One  wishes,  as  not  from 

fear,  but  affection : 
Fear  is  the  virtue  of  slaves;  but  the  heart  that 

loveth  is  willing. 
Perfect  was  before  God,  and  perfect  is  love,  and 

love  only. 
Lovest  thou  God  as  thou  oughtest  ?  then  lovest 
thou  likewise  thy  brethren. 
ft 


66  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

Bears  not  each  Imman  figure  tlie  Godlike  stamp 
.  on  his  forehead  ? 

Readest  thou  not  in  his  face  thine  origin?    Is  he 
not  sailing, 

Lost  like  thyself,  on  an  ocean  unknown  ?  and  is 
he  not  guided 

By  the  same  stars  that  guide  thee  ?  Why  shouldest 
thou  hate,  then,  thy  brother? 

Hateth  he  thee,  forgive !    For  'tis  sweet  to  stam- 
mer one  letter 

Of  the  Eternal's  language  :  on  earth  it  is  called 
forgiveness. 

Knowest  thou  Him  who  forgave  with  the  crown 
of  thorns  round  his  temples ; 

Earnestly  prayed  for  his  foes,  for  his  murderers? 
Say,  dost  thou  know  him  ? 

Ah !  thou  confessest  his  name :  so  lollow  likewise 
his  example. 

Think  of  thy  brother  no  ill,  but  throw  a  veil  over 
his  failings;     ■*  ., 

Guide  the  erring  aright :  for  the  good,  the  heav- 
enly Shepherd 

Took  the  lost  lamb  in  his  arms,  and  bore  it  back 
to  its  mother. 

This  is  the  fruit  of  love ;  and  it  is  by  its  fruits 
that  we  know  it. 

Tegnh  {trans,  by  Longfellow), 


WORSHIP.  67 


3.    THE  GUIDES. 

TAKE  ye  henceforth,  as  guides  in  the  paths 
of  existence, 
Prayer,  with  her  eyes  raised  to  heaven,  and  Inno- 
cence, gem  of  your  childhood. 
Innocence,  child  beloved,  is  a  guest  from  the 

world  of  the  blessed ; 
Beautiful,  and  in  her  hand  a  lily :  on  life's  roaring 

billows 
Swings  she  in  safety :  she  heedeth  them  not ;  in 

the  ship  she  is  sleeping. 
Calmly  she  gazes  around  in  the  tunnoil  of  men 

in  the  desert : 
Angels  descend  and  minister  to  her;  she  herself 

knoweth 
Nought  of  her  glorious  attendance,  but  follows 

faithful  and  humble, — 
Follows  as  long  as  she  may  her  friend.     Oh !  do 

not  reject  her ; 
For  she  cometh  from  God,  and  she  holdeth  the 

keys  of  the  heavens. 

•  Tegnir  {trans,  by  Longfellow). 


68  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 


4.    PATIENCE. 

THE  night  is  mother  of  tlie  day ; 
The  winter  of  the  spring ; 
And  ever  upon  old  decay 

The  greenest  mosses  cling. 
Behind  the  cloud  the  starlight  lurks, 

Through  showers  the  sunbeams  fall ; 
For  God,  who  loveth  all  his  works, 
Has  left  his  hope  with  all. 

J.  G.  WhitUer. 


5.    SONG  OF  FAITH. 

r|"^HE  day  is  quenched,  and  the  sun  is  fled : 
-I-      God  has  forgotten  the  world ! 
The  moon  is  gone,  and  the  stars  are  dead ; 
God  has  forgotten  the  world ! 

Day  will  return  with  a  fi'esher  boon : 

God  will  remember  the  world  I 
Night  will  come  with  a  newer  moon : 

God  will  remember  the  world  I 

Evil  is  only  the  slave  of  good ; 

Sorrow,  the  servant  of  joy ; 
And  the  soul  is  mad  that  refuses  food 

Of  the  meanest  in  God's  employ. 


WORSHIP.  69 

The  fountain  of  joy  is  fed  by  tears, 
And  love  is  lit  by  the  breath  of  sighs : 

The  deepest  griefs  and  the  wildest  fears 
Have  holiest  ministries. 

Strong  grows  the  oak  in  the  sweeping  storm ; 

Safely  the  flower  sleeps  under  the  snow ; 
And  the  farmer's  hearth  is  never  warm 

Till  the  cold  wind  starts  to  blow. 

Day  will  return  with  a  fresher  boon : 

God  will  remember  the  world  I 
Night  will  come  with  a  newer  moon : 

God  will  remember  the  world  I 

/.  G.  noUand. 


6.    THREE    WOBDS    OF   STRENGTH. 
• 

THERE  are  three  lessons  I  would  write, 
Three  words,  as  with  a  burning  pen, 
In  tracings  of  eternal  light, 
Upon  the  hearts  of  men. 

Have  hope !     Though  clouds  environ  now. 
And  Gladness  hides  her  face  in  scorn. 

Put  thou  the  shadow  from  thy  brow : 
No  night  but  hath  its  mom. 


7©  A  CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIQION. 

Have  faith  !     Where'er  thy  bark  is  driven,  — 
The  calm's  disport,  the  tempest's  mirth,  — 

Know  this  :  God  rules  the  hosts  of  heaven, 
The  inhabitants  of  earth. 

Have  love  !  —  not  love  alone  for  one, 
But  man  as  man  thy  brother  call ; 

And  scatter,  like  the  circling  sun, 
Thy  charities  on  all. 

Thus  grave  these  lessons  on  thy  soul, — 

Hope,  faith,  and  love,  —  and  thou  shalt  find 

Strength  when  Life's  surges  rudest  roll, 

Light  when  thou  else  wert  blind. 

SchiUer, 


7.    SONG  OF  TRUST. 

LIFE  evermore  is  fed  by  death 
In  earth  and  sea  and  sky ; 
And,  that  a  rose  may  breathe  its  breath. 
Something  must  die. 

The  oak-tree,  struggling  with  the  blast. 

Devours  its  father-tree, 
And  sheds  its  leaves,  and  drops  its  mast, 
That  more  may  be. 

The  milk-white  heifer's  life  must  pass 

That  it  may  fill  your  own, 
As  passed  the  sweet  life  of  the  grass 
She  fed  upon. 


woRsnip.  71 

From  lowly  woe  springs  lordly  joy ; 

From  humbler  good,  diviner : 
The  greater  life  must  aye  destroy 
And  drink  the  minor. 

For  angels  wait  on  Providence, 

And  mark  the  sundered  places, 
To  graft  with  gentlest  instruments 
The  heavenly  graces. 

J.  G.  UolLind. 


8.    WHAT    THE   MINUTES    SAT. 

^'  "X^T"^  ^^^  ^^^  minutes,  little  things, — 
*  *     Each  one  furnished  with  sixty  wings, 
With  which  we  fly  on  our  unseen  track ; 
And  not  a  minute  ever  comes  back. 

"  We  are  but  minutes.    Each  one  bears 
A  little  burden  of  joys  and  cares : 
Take  patiently  the  minutes  of  pain  ; 
The  worst  of  minutes  cannot  remain. 

"  We  are  but  minutes.    When  we  bring 
A  few  of  the  drops  from  Pleasure's  spring, 
Taste  their  sweetness  while  yet  ye  may : 
It  takes  but  a  minute  to  fly  away. 

"  We  are  but  minutes :  use  us  well ; 
For  how  we  are  used,  we  must  one  day  tell. 
Who  uses  minutes,  has  hours  to  use ; 
Who  lo^es  minutes,  whole  years  must  lose." 

S€Mor$'  Magazine, 


72  A   CniLD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 


9.    THE  LITTLE  TREE. 

A  LITTLE  tree  stood  up  in  the  wood 
In  bright  and  dirty  weather ; 
And  nothing  but  needles  it  had  for  leaves 

From  top  to  bottom  together. 
The  needles  stuck  about, 
And  the  little  tree  spoke  out :  — 

"  My  companions  all  have  leaves 

Beautiful  to  see: 
While  I've  nothing  but  these  needles ; 

No  one  touches  me. 
Might  I  have  my  fortune  told, 
All  my  leaves  should  be  pure  gold." 

The  little  tree's  asleep  by  dark, 

Awake  by  earliest  light ; 
And  now  its  golden  leaves  you  mark : 

There  was  a  sight ! 
The  little  tree  says,  "  Now  I'm  set  high : 
No  tree  in  the  wood  has  gold  leaves  but  I.'* 

But  now  again  the  night  came  back : 
Through  the  forest  there  walked  a  Jew, 

With  great  thick  beard  and  great  thick  sack, 
And  soon  the  gold  leaves  did  view. 

He  pockets  them  all,  and  away  does  fare, 

Leaving  the  little  tree  quite  bare.        ^ 


woRsnip.  73 

The  little  ti'ee  speaks  np  distressed,  — 
"  Those  golden  leaves  how  I  lament  I 

I'm  quite  ashamed  before  the  rest, 
Such  lovely  dress  to  them  is  lent. 

Might  I  bring  one  more  wish  to  pass, 

I  would  have  my  leaves  of  the  clearest  glass." 

The  little  tree  sleeps  again  at  dark. 

And  wakes  with  the  early  light. 
And  now  its  glass  leaves  you  may  mark : 

There  was  a  sight ! 
The  little  tree  says,  "  Now  I'm  right  glad  : 
No  tree  in  the  wood  is  as  brightly  clad." 

There  came  up  now  a  mighty  blast, 

And  a  furious  gale  it  blew ; 
It  swept  among  the  trees  full  fast, 

And  on  the  glass  leaves  it  flew : 
There  lay  the  leaves  of  glass 
All  shivered  on  the  grass  1 

The  little  tree  complains,  — 

"  My  glass  lies  on  the  ground : 
Each  other  tree  remains 

With  its  green  dress  all  sound. 
Might  I  but  have  my  wish  once  more, 
I  would  have  of  those  good  green  leaves  good  store." 

Again  asleep  is  the  little  tree. 

And  early  wakes  to  the  light : 
He  is  covered  with  green  leaves  fair  to  see  ; 

He  laughs  outright. 


74  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

And  says,  "  I  am  now  all  nicely  dressed, 
Nor  need  be  ashamed  before  the  rest." 

And  now,  with  udders  full, 

Forth  a  wild  she-goat  sprung, 
Seeking  for  herbs  to  pull, 

To  feed  her  young. 
She  sees  the  leaves,  nor  makes  much  talk, 
But  strips  all  clear  to  the  very  stalk  1 

The  little  tree  again  is  bare, 

And  thus  to  himself  he  said  : 
"  No  longer  for  any  leaves  I  care. 

Whether  green  or  yellow  or  red. 
If  I  had  but  my  needles  again, 
I  would  nevermore  scold  or  complain." 

The  little  tree  slept  sad  that  night. 

And  sadly  opened  his  eye  : 
He  sees  himself  in  the  sun's  first  light. 

And  laughs  as  he  would  die. 
And  all  the  trees  in  a  roar  burst  out ; 
But  the  little  tree  little  cared  for  their  shout. 

What  made  the  little  tree  laugh  like  mad  ? 

And  what  set  the  rest  in  a  roar? 
In  a  single  night,  soon  back  he  had 

Every  needle  he  had  before  I 
And  everybody  may  see  them  such  : 
Go  out  and  look ;  but  do  not  touch. 
Why  not,  I  pray  ? 
They  prick,  some  say. 
2f.  L.  FrotMngham  (Jhm  the  German  ofRuchert). 


wonsnip.  % 


10.    A  DOUBTING   HEART. 

WHERE  are  the  swallows  fled? 
Frozen  and  dead, 
Perchance,  upon  some  bleak  and  frozen  shore. 
O  doubting  heart ! 
Far  over  purple  seas. 
They  wait  in  sunny  ease 
The  balmy  southern  breeze 
To  bring  them  to  their  northern  home  oiice  in6r8. 

Why  must  the  flowers  die  ? 
Prisoned  they  lie 

In  the  cold  tomb,  heedless  of  tears  or  rain. 
O  doubting  heart ! 
They  only  sleep  below 
The  soft  white  ermine  snow, 
While  winter  winds  shall  blow, 

To  breathe  and  smile  upon  you  soon  again. 

■    •  The  sun  has  hid  his  rays 

These  many  days : 
W^U  dreary  hours  never  leave  the  earth  ? 
O  doubting  heart ! 

The  stormy  clouds  on  high 

Veil  the  same  sunny  sky 

That  soon  (for  Spring  is  nigh) 
Shall  wake  the  Summer  into  golden  mirth. 


76  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

Fair  hope  is  dead,  and  light 
Is  quenched  in  night. 
What  sound  can  break  the  silence  of  despair  ? 
O  doubting  heart! 
Thy  sky  is  overcast ; 
Yet  stars  shall  rise  at  last, 
Brighter  for  dai'kness  past, 
And  angels'  silver  voices  stir  t-he  air. 

Adelaide  A.  Procten 


11.    UNDER  THE  SNOW. 

UNDER  the  snow  the  violets  are  budding, 
Nurtured  and  cherished  within  the  warm 
earth  ; 
Rich  fragrance  imbibing,  while  patiently  waiting 
The  word  of  command  that  shall  wake  them 
to  birth. 

Under  the  snow  the  streamlets  are  sleeping  ; 

Lulled  is  the  voice  of  their  murmuring  How : 
Their  rest  is  not  death ;  but  life  is  renewing, 

While  Spring's  brightest  promise  is  ice-bound 
below. 

Under  the  snow,  oh  I  under  the  snow. 

Earth  sleeps  but  to  waken,  and  rests  but  xo 
rise, 
And  silently  toils  in  her  storehouse  below, 
Adding  tint  to  the  floweret,  and  splendor  to 
skies. 


WORSHIP.  77 

"Under  the  snow,  the  beautiful  snow, 

Rests  all  the  fair  future  of  promise  and  bloom, 
The  bud  and  the  blossom,  the  summer's  bright 
glow, 
The  autumn's  full  fruitage,  the  winter's  rich 
boon. 

Under  the  snow,  ah  I  under  the  snow, 

Lie  buried  the  hopes  of  the  sorrowing  heart : 

Wailing  and  sad  the  winds  over  them  blow. 
While,  weeping,  they  watch  the  dear  promise 
depart. 

Oh !  hear  we  not  murmuring  voices  below. 
When  we  hopefully  listen,  and  patiently  wait 

The  hurrying  of  unseen  feet,  that  go 
On  errands  of  love  for  humanity's  sake  ? 

Hear  we  the  beating,  the  stir,  and  the  strife 
Of  forces  that  slumber  by  night  nor  by  day, 

Abiding  their  time,  when,  bursting  with  life, 
They  scatter  their  icy  fetters  away  ? 

Though  under  the  snow,  deep  under  the  snow. 

Lie  hearts  all  despairing  in  sadness  and  gloom. 
The  soft  breath  of  spring-time  will  over  them 
blow. 
And  the  pale  bud  of  hope  into  rich  beauty 
bloom. 

Mr$,  Cheteboro. 


78  A  CHILD'S  BOOK  Of  RELIGION. 


12.    ONE  BY  ONE. 

ONE  by  one  the  sands  are  flowing, 
One  by  one  the  moments  fall : 
Some  are  coming,  some  are  going  ; 
Do  not  strive  to  grasp  them  all. 

One  by  one  thy  duties  wait  thee ; 

Let  thy  whole  strength  go  to  each : 
Let  no  future  dreams  elate  thee  ; 

Learn  thou  first  what  these  can  teach. 

One  by  one,  bright  gifts  from  heaven, 
Joys  are  lent  thee  here  below : 

Take  them  readily  when  given ; 
Eeady,  too,  to  let  them  go. 

One  by  one  thy  griefs  shall  meet  thee : 
Do  not  fear  an  armed  band ; 

One  will  fade  as  others  greet  thee,  — *• 
Shadows  passing  through  the  land. 

Do  not  look  at  life's  long  sorrow ; 

See  how  small  each  moment's  pain ; 
God  will  help  thee  for  to-morrow  j 

So  each  day  begin  again. 

Every  hour  that  fleets  so  slowly 

Has  its  task  to  do  or  bear : 
Luminous  the  crown,  and  holy. 

If  thou  set  each  gem  with  care. 


WORSHIP.  79 

Do  not  linger  -with  regretting, 

Or  for  passing  hours  despond ; 
Nor,  the  daily  toil  forgetting, 

Look  too  eagerly  beyond. 

Hours  are  golden  links,  God's  token, 
Reaching  heaven  ;  but  one  by  one 

Take  them,  lest  the  chain  be  broken 
Ere  the  pilgrimage  be  done. 

Adelaide  A.  Procter. 


13.    THE  ARK  AND  DOVE. 

THERE  was  a  noble  ark. 
Sailing  o'er  waters  dark, 
And  wild  around : 
Not  one  taU  tree  was  seen, 
Nor  flower,  nor  leaf  of  green ; 
All,  all,  was  drowned. 

Then  a  soft  wing  was  spread. 
And  o'er  the  billows  dread 

A  meek  dove  flew ; 
But,  on  that  shoreless  tide. 
No  living  thing  she  spied 

To  cheer  her  view. 


80  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  liELIGIOJT. 

So  to  the  ark  she  fled, 
With  weary,  drooping  head, 

To  seek  for  rest. 
God  is  tliy  ark,  ray  love  : 
Thou  art  the  tender  dove ; 

Fly  to  his  breast. 

Mrs.  Sigoumey. 


14.    GLADNESS. 

IS  this  a  time  to  be  cloudy  and  sad, 
When  our  mother  Nature  laughs  around ; 
When  even  the  deep  blue' heavens  look  glad, 
And    gladness    breathes    from    the    blossoming 
ground  ? 

There  are  notes  of  joy  from  the  hang-bird  and 

wren. 
And  the  gossip  of  swallows  through  all  the  sky ; 
The  ground-squirrel  gayly  chirps  by  his  den, 
And  the  wilding  bee  hums  merrily  by. 

The  clouds  are  at  play  in  the  azure  space, 

And  their  shadows  at  play  on  the  bright  green 

vale ; 
And  here  they  stretch  to  the  frolic  chase, 
And  there  they  roll  on  the  easy  gale. 


WORSHIP.  81 

There's  a  dance  of  leaves  in  that  aspen  bower ; 
There's  a  titter  of  wind  in  that  beechen  tree ; 
There's  a  smile  on  the  fruit,  and  a  smile  on  the 

flower, 
And  a  laugh  from  the  brook  that  runs  to  the  sea. 

And  look  at  the  broad-faced  Sun  !  how  he  smiles 
On  the  dewy  earth  that  smiles  in  his  ray. 
On  the  leaping  waters  and  gay  young  isles ! 
Ay,  look  I  and  he'll  smile  thy  gloom  away. 

W.  C.  Bryant. 


15.    THOU,  GOD,  SEEST  ME. 

THROUGH  all  the  busy  daylight,  through  all 
the  quiet  night, 
Whether  the  stars  are  in  the  sky  or  the  sun  is 

shining  bright. 
In  the  nursery,  in  the  parlor,  in  the  street,  or  on 

tlie  stair. 
Though  I  may  seem  to  be  alone,  yet  God  is  always 
there. 

,     Whatever  I  may  do, 
Wherever  I  may  be, 
Although  I  see  him  not, 

Yet  God  sees  me. 
• 


82  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION, 

He  knows  each  word  I  mean  to  speak  before  the 

word  is  spoken ; 
He  knows  the  thoughts  within  my  heai't,  although 

I  give  no  token  : 
When  I  am  naughty,  then  I  grieve  my  heavenly 

Father's  love ; 
And,  every  time  I  really  try,  he  helps  me  from 
above. 

Whatever  I  may  do, 

Wherever  I  may  be, 
Although  I  see  him  not,  * 

Yet  God  sees  me. 

I  have  kind  and  tender  parents ;  I  have  many 

loving  friends : 
But  none  love  me  as  God  loves  me ;  and  all  that's 

good  he  sends : 
I  will  walk  as  God  shall  lead  me,  while  the  sun  is 

in  the  sky; 
And  lay  me  down,  and  sleep  in  peace  beneath  his 
watchful  eye. 

Whatever  I  may  do, 
Wherever  I  may  be, 
!  Although  I  see  him  not, 
j       Yet  God  sees  me. 

Symna  for  Mother$  and  Children. 


WORSHIP.  83 


10.    GOD'S  LOVE  IN  THE  FLOWERS. 

GOD  might  have  made  the  earth  bring  forth 
Enough  for  great  and  small, 
The  oak-tree  and  the  cedar-tree, 
Without  a  flower  at  all. 

He  might  have  made  enough,  enough, 

For  every  want  of  ours, 
For  luxury,  medicine,  and  toil ; 

And  yet  have  made  no  flower^. 

The  clouds  might  give  abundant  rain, 

The  nightly  dews  might  fall ; 
And  the  herb  tliat  keepcth  life  in  man 

Might  yet  have  drunk  them  all. 

Then  wherefore,  wherefore,  were  they  made, 

And  dyed  with  rainbow  light. 
All  fashioned  with  supremest  grace, 

Upspringing  day  and  night,  — 

Springing  in  valleys  green  and  low, 

And  on  the  mountain  high. 
And  in  the  silent  wilderness. 

Where  no  man  passes  by  ? 

Our  outward  life  requires  them  not : 

Then  wherefore  had  they  birth  ? 
To  minister  delight  to  man ; 

To  beautify  the  earth ; 


84  A  CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

To  comfort  man ;  to  whisper  hope 

Whene'er  his  faith  is  dim : 
For  lie  that  careth  for  the  flowers 

Will  care  much  more  for  him. 

Mary  Howitt. 


17.    MINISTERING  SPIRITS. 

WHY  come  not  spirits  from  the  realms  of 
glory 
To  visit  earth  as  in  the  days  of  old,  — 
The  times  of  sacred  writ  and  ancient  story? 
Is  heaven  more  distant?  or  has  earth  grown 
cold? 

To  Bethlehem's  air  was  their  last  anthem  given, 
Wfien  other  stars  before  the  One  grew  dim? 

Was  tlieir  last  presence  known  in  Peter's  prison, 
Or  where  exulting  martyrs  raised  their  hymn? 

And  are  they  all  within  the  veil  departed  ? 

There  gleams  no  wing  along  the  empyrean  now; 
And  many  a  tear  from  human  eyes  has  started 

Since  angel  touch  has  calmed  a  mortal  brow. 

Ko:   earth  has   angels,  though  their  forms  are 
moulded 
But  of  such  clay  as  fashions  all  below; 


WORSHIP.    '  85 

Though  haq5s  are  wanting,  and  bright  pinions 
folded, 
We  know  them  by  the  love-light  on  their  brow. 

I  have  seen  angels  by  tjje  sick  one's  pillow ; 
Theirs  were  the  soft  tone  and  the  soundless 
tread : 
Where  smitten  hearts  were  drooping  like  the  wil- 
low, 
They  stood  "  between  the  living  and  the  dead." 

And  if  my  sight,  by  earthly  dimness  hindered, 
^  Beheld  no  hovering  cherubim  in  air,  • 
I  doubted  not :  for  spirits  know  their  kindred ; 
They  smiled  upon  the  wingless  watchere  there. 

There  have  been  angels  in  the  gloomy  prison. 
In  crowded  halls,  by  the  lone  widow's  heartli ; 

And,  where  they  passed,  the  fallen  have  uprisen. 
The  giddy  paused,  the   mourner's  hope  had 
birth. 

Oh !  many  a  spirit  walks  the  world  unheeded. 
That,  when  its  veil  of  sadness  is  laid  down, 

Shall  soar  aloft  with  pinions  unimpeded. 
And  wear  its  glory  like  a  starry  crown. 

The  Ditciples'  Ilipnnrbook^ 


86  A  CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 


18.    THE  GORSE. 

MOUNTAm-GORSES,  ever  golden, 
Cankered  not  the  whole  year  long, 
Do  you  teach  us  to  be  strong. 
Howsoever  pricked  and  holden, 
Like  your  thorny  blooms,  and  so 
Trodden  on  by  rain  and  snow. 
Up  the  hillside  of  this  life,  as  bleak  as  where  ye- 
grow? 

Mountain-blossoms,  shining  blossoms. 
Do  you  teach  us  to  be  glad 
When  no  summer  can  be  had 
Blooming  in  our  inward  bosoms  ?  — 
Ye  whom  God  preserveth  still, 
Set  as  lights  upon  a  hill. 
Tokens  to  the  wintry  earth  that  beauty  liveth 
still. 

Mountain-gorses,  do  ye  teach  us, 
From  that  academic  chair 
Canopied  with  azure  air. 
That  the  wisest  word  man  reaches 


WORSHIP.  87 

Is  the  humblest  he  can  speak  ?  — 
Ye  who  live  on  mountain-peak, 
Yet  live  low  along  the  ground  beside  the  grasses 
meek. 


Mountain-gorses,  since  Linnaeus 
Knelt  beside  you  on  the  sod, 
For  your  beauty  thanking  God, — 
For  your  teaching,  ye  should  see  us 
Bowing  in  prostration  new. 
Whence  arisen,  —  if  one  or  two 
Drops  be  on  our  cheeks,  —  O  world !  they  are 
not  tears,  but  dew. 

Mrt.  Browning, 


19.     PEACE. 

MY  soul,  there  is  a  country 
Afar  beyond  the  stara. 
Where  stands  a  winged  sentry, 

All  skilful  in  the  wars  : 
There,  above  noise  and  danger. 

Sweet  Peace  sits  crowned  with  smiles; 
And  One  bom  in  a  manger 
Commands  the  beauteous  files. 


88  A   CHILD'S  BOOK   OF  RELIGION. 

lie  is  thy  gracious  friend, 

And  (O  my  soul,  awake !) 
Did  in  pure  love  descend 

To  die  here  for  thy  sake. 
If  thou  canst  but  get  thither. 

There  grows  the  flower  of  peace, 
The  rose  that  cannot  wither, 

Thy  fiartrcss  and  thy  ease. 
Leave,  then,  thy  foolish  ranges  ; 

For  none  can  thee  secure. 
But  One  who  never  changes,  — 

Thy  God,  thy  Life,  thy  Cute ! 

Henry  Vaughan. 


20.    ANGEL-CHILDREN. 

ONCE  I  took  a  picture  fair 
To  ray  heart,  and  kept  it  there  ; 
And  I  blessed  the  artist's  thought 
Who  that  lovely  picture  wrought. 
Even  as  I  saw  it  then, 
Now  it  comes  to  me  again. 

Three  small  children  on  their  knees, 
Under  drooping  willow-trees  : 
Pleased  and  shy,  they  bend  to  look 
In  the  mirror  of  the  brook. 


WORSHIP.  89 

Not  a  flower  upon  the  brink 
Bending  gracefully  to  drink, 
Not  a  bird  that  skims  the  lake, 
Softer  shadowing  could  make, 
Nor  behold  reflected  there 
Form  more  innocent  and  fair. 

What  beside  those  faces  three 
In  that  mirror  do  they  see  ? 
All  the  blue  depths  of  the  sky 
In  its  waters  they  descry ; 
And  not  theirs  alone,  but  near 
Other  faces,  three,  appear, — 
Angel-faces,  dimly  seen. 
Serious,  tender,  and  serene ; 
Bending  meekly,  bearing  trace 
Of  the  heavenly  Father's  face : 
This  is  why  the  children  look 
Pleased,  yet  thoughtful,  in  the  brook. 

TJnto  little  children  here 
Seraph-forms  are  always  near; 
Messages  of  heavenly  things 
Angel-child  to  earth-child  brings : 
So  I  blessed  the  hand  that  wrought 
Into  form  the  shadowy  thought. 

Afrs.  Wells. 


90  A  CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 


21.    THE  BETTER  LAND. 

I  HEAR  thee  speak  of  the  better  land ; 
Thou  call'st  its  children  a  happy  band. 
Mother,  oh !  where  is  that  radiant  shore  ? 
Shall  we  not  seek  it,  and  weep  no  more  ? 
Is  it  where  the  flower  of  the  orange  blows, 
And  the    fire-flies    dance   through  the   myrtle- 
boughs  ? 
Not  there,  not  there,  my  child  I 

Is  it  where  the  feathery  palm-trees  rise, 
And  the  date  grows  ripe  under  sunny  skies  ? 
Or  'midst  the  green  islands  of  glittering  seas, 
Where  fragrant  forests  pei*fume  the  breeze, 
And  strange  bright  birds  on  their  starry  wings 
Bear  the  rich  hues  of  all  glorious  things  ? 

Not  there,  not  there,  my  child ! 

Is  it  far  away  in  some  region  old. 
Where  the  rivers  wander  o'er  sands  of  gold ; 
Where  the  burning  rays  of  the  ruby  shine. 
And  the  diamond  lights  up  the  secret  mine, 
And  the  pearl  gleams  forth  from  the  coral  strand : 
Is  it  there,  sweet  mother,  that  better  land  ? 

Not  there,  not  there,  my  child  I 

Eye  hath  not  seen  it,  ray  gentle  boy ; 
Ear  hath  not  heard  its  deep  songs  of  joy ; 


WOBSHIP.  91 

Dreams  cannot  picture  a  world  so  fair ; 
Sorrow  and  death  may  not  enter  there : 
Time  doth  not  breathe  on  its  fadeless  bloom  ; 
For  beyond  the  clouds,  and  beyond  the  tomb, 
It  is  there,  it  is  there,  my  child ! 

Mn,  Bemans. 


w 


22.    WE   SCATTER  SEEDS. 

E  scatter  seeds  with  careless  hand, 
And  dream  we  shall  ne'er  see  them 


But  for  a  thousand  years 
Their  fruit  appears 
In  weeds  that  mar  the  land 
Or  healthful  store. 

Tlie  deeds  we  do,  the  words  we  say, 
Into  still  air  they  seem  to  fleet ; 

We  count  them  ever  past : 

But  they  shall  last ; 
In  the  dread  judgment,  they 

And  we  shall  meet. 

Ljfra  Innocen/'ium. 


92  A  CHILD'S  BOOK^OF  RELIGION. 

■  23.    THIk  THISTLE. 

A  THISTLE-DOWN  took  up  its  home 
Within  a  greenwood  glade  ; 
And  winter  passed,  and  summer  came 
With  sunshine,  shower,  and  shade ; 

And  years  on  yeai-s  went  rolling  by, 

Until  it  grew  at  last 
Into  a  thistle  strong  and  tall 

That  braved  the  tempest's  blast. 

So  thus  the  smallest  seed  of  Truth 

May  sink  into  the  soul, 
And,  by  God's  blessing,  gather  power 

As  ages  onward  roll. 

Against  it,  Superstition's  bolts 
And  Error's  shafts  are  hurled  ; 

But,  all  unharmed,  it  grows  and  spreads 
Until  it  fills  the  world. 


24.    THE  FLIGHT   OF  TIME. 

FAINTLY  flow,  thou  falling  river, 
Like  a  dream  that  dies  away ; 
Down  to  ocean  gliding  ever, 

Keep  thy  calm  unruffled  way : 
Time  with  such  a  silent  motion 
Floats  along  on  wings  of  air 
To  eternity's  dark  ocean. 
Burying  all  its  treasures  there. 


WORSHIP.  93 

Roses  bloom,  and  tlien  they  wither; 

Cheeks  are  blight,  then  fade  and  die ; 
Shapes  of  light  are  wafted  thither, 

Then,  like  visions,  hurry  by. 
Quick  as  clouds  at  evening  driven 

O'er  the  many-colored  west, 
Years  are  bearing  us  to  heaven, 

Home  of  happiness  and  rest. 

PercimL 


26.     CONTENTMENT.  K  . 

TIIINK'ST  thou  the  steed  that  restless  roves 
O'er    rocks    and    mountains,     fields    ami 
groves. 
With  wild,  unbridled  bound. 
Finds  fresher  pastiire  than  the  bee 
On  thymy  bank  or  vernal  tree, 
Intent-  to  store  her  industry 
Within  her  waxen  round  ? 

Think'st  thou  the  fountain,  forced  to  turn 
Through  maiblo  vase  or  sculptured  um, 

Affords  a  sweeter  draught 
Than  that  which  in  its  native  sphere, 
Perennial,  undisturbed,  and  clear. 
Flows,  the  lone  traveller's  thiret  to  cheer, 

And  wake  his  urateful  thought  ? 


94  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

Think'st  thou  the  man  whose  mansions  hold 
Tnc  worldling's  pomp  and  miser's  gold 

Obtains  a  richer  prize 
Than  he  who,  in  his  cot  at  rest, 
Finds  heavenly  peace  a  willing  guest, 
And  bears  the  promise  in  his  breast 

Of  treasure  in  the  skies  ? 

Mrs.  Sigoumeg. 


26.    SOME  MURMUR. 

SOME  munnur,  when  their  sky  is  clear 
Ana  wholly  bright  to  view, 
If  one  small  speck  of  dark  appear 

In  their  great  heaven  of  blue ; 
And  some  with  thoughtful  love  are  filled 

If  but  one  streak  of  light, 
One  ray  of  God's  good  mercy,  gild 
The  darkness  of  their  night. 

In  palaces  are  hearts  that  ask 

In  discontent  and  pride 
Why  life  is  such  a  dreary  task, 

And  all  good  things  denied ; 
And  hearts  in  poorest  huts  admire 

How  love  has  in  their  aid 
(Love  that  not  ever  seems  to  tire) 

Such  rich  provision  made. 


Trench. 


WORSHIP.  05 


27.    CATCHING  SUNBEAMS. 

REACHmG  after  sunbeams 
With  a  dimpled  hand, — 
That  is  right,  my  darling ; 
Grasp  the  golden  band ; 
Fold  it  to  your  bosom ; 

Let  it  cheer  your  heart ; 
Gather  radiant  sunbeams ; 
Bid  the  clouds  depart. 

When  your  feet  shall  wander 

From  my  side  away, 
You  win  find  that  evil 

With  the  good  may  stray. 
Never  heed  it,  darling ; 

Let  it  pass  the  while ; 
Gather  only  sunbeams ; 

Keep  your  heart  from  guile. 

Grief  may  be  your  portion  ; 

Shadows  dim  your  way ; 
Clouds  may  darkly  threaten 

To  obscure  the  day  : 
Don't  despair,  my  darling; 

There's  a  Father's  love. 
How  could  thwe  be  shadows. 

With  no  light  above  ? 

LUtle  CorporaL 


96  A   CniLD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 


28.    PASSING  AWAY. 

THE  snow-flake  that  glances  at  morn  on  Kai-    v 
lassa, 
Dissolved  by  the  sunbeam,  descends  to  the  plain  ; 
There  mingling  with  Ganges,  it  flows  to  the  ocean, 
And,  lost  in  its  waters,  returns  not  again. 

Ou  the  rose-leaf  at  sunrise  bright  glistens  the  - 

dewdrop, 
That,  in  vapor  exhaled,  falls  in  nourishing  rain  ; 
Then  in  rills  back  to  Ganges,  through  green  fields, 

meanders,  ^ 

Till  onward  it  glides  to  the  ocean  again.  ^ 

A  snow-flake  still  whitens  the  peak  of  Kailassa ; 

But  the  snow-flake  of  yesterday  flows  to  the 
main : 

At  dawning  a  dew-drop  still  hangs  on  the  rose- 
leaf; 

But  the  dew-drop  of  yesterday  comes  not  again. 

The  soul  that  is  freed   from  the  bondage  of 

Nature 
Escapes  from  illusion  of  joy  and  of  pain  ; 
And,  pure  as  the  flame  th§it  is  lost  in  the  sunbeam, 
Ascends  unto  God,  and  returns  not  again : 
It  comes  not,  and  goes  not,  and  comes  not  again. 

Eastern  Poem. 


PART  n. 
THE  GOOD   LIFE. 


RULES  FOR  THE  GOOD   LIFE. 

Let  vs  now  repeat  together  tJie  Rules  of  the 
Good  Life. 

1.  To  revere  God  and  his  purposes  witli  a  filial 
trust. 

2.  To  love  God,  the  heavenly  Father,  with  filial 
love. 

3.  To  love  man,  the  child  of  God,  with  broth- 
erly affection. 

4.  To  study  the  works  of  God,  desiring  to  dis- 
cover their  beauties. 

5.  To  make  duty,  or  the  will  of  God,  our  firet 
object,  and  the  only  title  to  happiness. 

6.  To  delay  and  neglect  nothing  that  we  ought 
to  do. 

7.  To  keep  our  bodies  clean,  our  clothes  tidy, 
things  about  us  in  order,  our  appearance  simple 
and  neat. 

7  97 


98  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

8.  To  ikeep  our  blood  pure  by  exercise  in  the 
open  air ;  since,  by  means  of  the  air,  we  live. 

9.  To  avoid  too  much  eating  and  drinking,  too 
much  pleasure  and  excitement,  and  every  thing 
that  is  excess. 

10.  To  be  kind  to  all,  willing  to  please  and  to 
be  pleased ;  not  out  of  good  nature  only,  but  from 
a  sense  of  duty. 

11.  To  avoid  slander,  gossip,  and  foolish  talking, 
as  unworthy  of  creatures  whom  God  has  made, 
and  placed  in  so  fair  a  world. 

12.  To  set  examples  of  perfect  truthfulness  in 
word  and  deed. 

13.  To  be  large-hearted ;  trying  at  all  times  to 
think  and  do  generous  and  noble  things,  with- 
out being  afraid  of  rebuke  or  ridicule. 

14.  To  be  modest,  and  willing  to  submit  to  cor- 
rection and  censure. 

15.  To  inflict  no  pain  on  any  creature  for  the 
sake  of  a  pleasure. 

16.  To  shrink  from  no  pain  which  it  is  needful 
that  we  should  bear. 

17.  To  help  the  weak,  teach  the  simple,  cheer 
the  sad,  visit  the  sick,  encourage  the  hopeless, 
bear  with  the  dull,  excuse  the  ignorant,  forgive 
the  erring;  and  pray  for  the  wicked. 

18.  To  cultivate  and  encourage  the  free  spirit 
of  inquiry,  to  censure  narrowness  of  mind,  to 
struggle  against  pi'ejudice,  to  cherish  the  disposi- 
tion to  believe  in  new  truths,  and  to  give  welcome 
to  thousrhts  not  known  before. 


THE  GOOD  LIFE.  99 

19.  To  respect  the  righ'ts  of  others ;  to  regard 
the  happiness  of  others  as  equally  important  with 
our  own ;  and  to  feel  in  our  hearts  the  desire  and 
the  purpose  that  all  people,  so  far  as  we  know 
them  or  can  serve  them,  may  have  all  the  oppor- 
tunities, privileges,  and  enjoyments  they  are  able 
to  receive. 

20.  To  look  up  with  admiration  to  all  men  and 
women  who  lead  noble  lives,  though  they  may  be 
misunderstood  and  hated ;  to  honor  those  who  are 
persecuted  for  righteousness'  sake  or  for  truth's 
sake;  and  to  revere  especially  those  who  stand 
alone,  with  the  rich  and  the  great  and  the  fashion- 
able against  them ;  never  to  speak  evil  of  such  as 
are  disliked  and  despised,  and  never  to  take  the 
part  of  the  strong  against  the  weak. 

21.  To  keep  before  the  mind  the  images  of 
great  and  good  men  and  women  who  have  lived 
and'died  for  their  fellow-creatures,  and  especially 
to  keep  in  view  the  character  and  example  of 
Jesus. 

22.  To  keep  before  the  mind  the  hope  of  our 
immortality,  and  the  faith  in  our  perfect  happi- 
ness at  last. 

23.  To  keep  before  the  mind  the  belief  in  our 
power  to  improve  ourselves  in  every  way,  to 
soften  our  manners,  tame  our  passions,  curb  our 
tempers,  and  grow  more  and  more  in  loveliness. 

24.  To  keep  before  our  minds  the  truth  that 
the    child  is    father  to  the  man,  and  that  we 


100  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  liELIGIOy. 

cannot  hope  to  be  good  men  or  good  women 
unless  we  are  good  boys  and  good  girls. 

25.  Never  to  forget  that  good  habits  are  more 
easily  formed  in  childhood  than  in  manhood  or 
womanhood,  and  that  the  j^roper  time  to  begin  to 
form  them  is  the  present  moment. 

26.  To  be  patient  and  steadfast  in  cultivating 
holy  desires,  the  spirit  and  tliQ  habit  of  prayer;  lift- 
ing the  heart  to  the  Father,  and  imploring  his  help, 
in  full  faith  that  there  is  no  real  strength  but  that 
which  comes  from  the  Source  of  all  good. 


PUNISHMENTS. 

Questions  and  Answers. 

d~^N  you  tell  me  what  punishment  is? 
^     Punishment   is    pain   inflicted   on   wrong-, 
doing. 

Is  all  pain  punishment? 

Yes ;  for,  if  there  were  no  wrong-doing,  there 
would  be  no  pain.    There  must  be  violation  of 
law  before  there  can  be  suffering. 
Is  all  punishment  pain? 

Not  all ;  for  sometimes,  when  the  punishment 
for  wrong-doing  is  most  terrible,  it  is  not  felt :  the 
very  power  to  feel  is  taken  away.  One  may  do 
wrong  so  much,  that  he  does  not  know  at  last 


THE  GOOD  LIFE.  IQ^ 

whether  he  does  wrong  or  not.     Then  he  does  not 
sutFer;  but  his  punishment  is  worse  than  if  he  did. 

Is  he  happy ^  then^  because  he  does  not  suffer? 

He  mny  be  happy  as  evil  spirits  are  happy,  but 
not  with  the  sweet  happiness  of  those,  who,  in 
loving  God,  enjoy  his  love.  • 

Who  punishes  us  w/ien  we  do  wrong  ? 

God ;  who  has  so  made  us,  that  we  must  suffer 
whenever  we  break  his  laws. 

Does  God  like  to  make  us  suffer  ? 
.    Oh,  no !     He  makes  us  suffer  in  order  that  we 
may  escape  worse  suffering.      Pain  is  a  kindly 
warning  not  to  disobey. 

God.,  then.,  punislies  his  children  because  he 
loves  tJiem  ? 

Yes :  he  is  not  angry  with  us  when  we  do  ill, 
but  only  anxious  that  we  shall  do  well. 

Will  pain  follow  wrong-doing  as  long  as  we 
live  f 

Even  after  death,  in  another  world,  pain  will 
follow  disobedience  till  disobedience  ends.  When 
we  do  the  will  of  God  wholly,  we  shall  be  happy. 

Is  it  certain  that  noboay  can  escape  punish- 
ment for  wrong-doing  ? 

We  feel  that  it  is  certain.  We  believe  that  no 
one  ever  did  wrong  without  being  the  worse  for 
it.  But  now  we  wish  to  ask  you  some  questions 
in  our  turn.  We  should  like  to  leani  how  people 
are  punished  for  particular  sins. 

Will  you  tdl  us.,  then^  what  is  the  punishment 
for  neglect  of  duty  ^ 


102  A    CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

The  puiiislnncnt  for  neglect  of  duty  is,  that  hy 
and  by  you  cense  to  love  duty,  then  to  care  ior  it, 
then  to  know  what  it  is.  When  you  no  longer 
resjiect  duty,  you  no  longer  respect  yourself  You 
become  weak  and  foolish,  and  fond  of  silly  plea- 
sures that  do  nothing  but  harm. 

What  is  the  punishment  of  uncleanliness  ? 

The  punishment  of  uncleanliness  is  loss  of 
health,  loss  of  beauty,  loss  of  attractiveness,  and 
the  dislike  of  those  who  might  love  you. 

What  is  the  punishment  of  neglecting  air  and 
exercise  f 

It  is  weakness,  dulness,  loss  of  vigor,  lowness 
of  spirits,  and  ill  health. 

What  is  the  punishment  for  putting  off  till  to- 
m^orrow  what  should  he  done  to-day? 

It  is  an  incTOase  of  work  and  trouble ;  vexa- 
tion ;  loss  of  time  and  opportunity ;  mortification ; 
the  displeasure  of  those  whom  we  disappoint, 
annoy,  and  pei'haps  distress ;  and,  at  last,  great 
weakness  and  sorrow. 

What  is  the  punishment  for  over  eating  and 
drinking  ? 

It  is  headache,  dyspepsia,  heart-burn,  dulness 
of  brain,  stupidity  of  feeling  and  purpose,  lazi- 
ness ;  in  the  end,  perhaps,  violent  pain  from  sick- 
ness, with  little  pity  to  soothe  it;  possibly  early 
death ;  always  the  mortification  of  your  friends : 
every  body  despises  the  glutton,  and  loathes  the 
drunkard. 


THE  GOOD  LIFE.  103 

What  is  tJie  punishment  for  unkind  and  un- 
gentle manners  f 

It  is  the  dislike  of  your  companions,  ill-will, 
resentment,  a  bad  reputation  in  society,  and 
sometimes  an  unkind  disposition.  They  whose 
manners  are  unkind  will  be  thought  unkind,  and 
may  really  become  so. 

What  is  the  punishment  for  fault-finding  ? 

It  is  censure  from  everybody ;  it  is  general  dis- 
trust and  hate ;  it  is  loss  of  power  to  see  the 
amiable  qualities  in  people,  and  the  loss  of 
power  to  make  them  see  your  own ;  it  is  an 
nnamiable  temper  and  a  bad  heart. 

What  is  the  punishment  for  untruthfulness  f 

It  is  distnist,  suspicion,  alienation,  shame,  and 
disgrace.  The  liar  is  always  abhorred.  He  who 
lies  in  order  to  make  others  believe  what  is  not 
true  finds  in  a  little  while  that  people  suspect  hinx 
of  lying  even  when  he  tells  them  what  is  true. 
He  may  at  last  lose  the  power  to  know  what  is 
true  from  what  is  false. 

What  is  the  punishment  for  selfishness? 

It  is  being  Ictl  alone  witli  one's  self 

What  is  the  punishment  for  carelessness  of  the 
opinions  of  those  about  us  ? 

It  is  a  surly  temper  and  social  ill-will. 

What  is  tlie  punishment  for  shrinking  from 
necessary  pain  ? 

It  is  the  increase  of  the  pain,  timidity,  weak- 
ness, and  regret.  Every  pain  avoided  is  a  worse 
pain  incurred. 


104  A    CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

What  is  the  punishment  for  neglecting  those 
who  need  our  aid.,  —  the  poor.,  the  sick,  the  sad? 
It  is    cold-hoartedness   and  neglect  when  we 
ourselves  may  be  sad,  sick,  or  poor. 

What  is  the  punishment  for  meanness? 
More  meanness,  and  the  contempt  of  all  who 
know  what  generosity  is.     The  mean  man  loses 
one  of  the  keenest  joys  of  existence,  —  the  joy  of 
making  others  happy  by  his  gifts. 

What  is  the  punishment  for  malicious  teasing? 
The  hatred  of  those  you  tease. 
What  is  the  punishment  for  telling  a,  secret? 
Loss  of  confidence  on  the  part  of  those  who 
have  secrets  to  confide. 

VVhat  is  the  p>unishment  for  neglect  to  cultivate 
a  love  of  the  beautiful  ? 

Loss  of  the  joy  and  spirit  that  beauty  imparts. 
What  is  the  punishment  for  irreverence? 

Insensibility  to  the  worth  of  holy  and  divine 
things ;  want  of  seriousness  in  character ;  coarse- 
ness of  mind,  and  hardness  of  feeling ;  a  trifling 
and  flippant  heart. 

W/iat  is  the  punishment  for  neglecting  studies? 
Ignorance  and  incapacity. 
What  is  the  punishnent  for  avoiding  society  ? 
Loneliness,  shyness,  sadness;  want  of  power  to 
converse  or  sympathize  with  others ;  poverty  of 
thought  and  feeling. 

What  is  the  punishment  for  neglecting  wor- 
ship ? 
It  is  that  the  gi*eat  object  of  worship  disappears, 


THE  GOOD  LIFE.  105 

And  we  are  left  alone,  without  the  feeling  of  a  God 
above  us,  a  spirit  within- us,  or  a  heaven  beyond. 

What  is  the  punishment  for  disobeying  the 
voice  of  conscience  f 

It  is  that  conscience  dies,  the  sense  of  evil  is 
lost,  and  the  power  of  distinguishing  evil  from 
good  is  taken  away. 

What  is  the  punishment  for  indulging  in  pro- 
fane or  impure  words  or  thoughts  ? 

It  is  that  the  heai't  becomes  unclean,  and  loves 
unclean  things.  The  impure  in  heart  will  be  im- 
pure in  life ;  and  they  who  take  the  Holy  Name 
in  vain  will  be  in  danger  of  going  without  help 
from  the  Holy  Spirit. 

What  is  the  punishment  for  neglecting  to  learn 
God's  will  as  taught  in  the  Scriptures^  in  all  holy 
books,  and  in  tJie  lessons  of  Providence  f 

It  is  that  God's  will  is  not  known ;  and,  when 
God's  will  is  not  known,  it  cannot  be  loved  or 
obeyed.  Then  self-will  and  passion  rule  us.  The 
greatest  of  all  duties  is  to  study  God's  will  wher- 
ever it  may  be  found,  but  chiefly  where  it  is  writ- 
ten the  most  clearly,  —  in^the  words  of  the  New 
Testament. 


106  A    CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

REWARDS. 
Children  asJc  Teacher. 

"JTrJIA  T  is  reward? 

''  Reward  is  the  pleasure  that  goes  with 
doing  well. 

Js  all  pleasure  reward? 

All  healthy  pleasure  is  reward.  Happiness  is 
reward,  joy  is  reward,  and  goodness  is  the  best 
reward. 

Is  all  reward  pleasure  f 

Yes :  it  is.  We  do  not  always  feel  punishment  j 
but  we  do  always  feel  reward.  God  never  let? 
us  miss  a  feeling  of  joy. 

Is  goodness  always  rewarded? 

Always ;  and  the  reward  is  great  in  proportion 
to  the  goodness.     The  best  people  have  flie  most 

joy- 

Hut  we  have  often  been  xinhappy  because  we 
were  good;  because  we  told  the  truth,  or  re/used 
to  play  truant,  or  would  not  do  mischief  with  our 
companions,  or  would  not  hide  a  fault. 

Yes ;  but,  if  you  were  really  good,  you  must 
have  felt  a  joy  in  being  good,  much  greater  than 
any  pleasure  you  might  have  had  from  not  being 
good,  —  the  joy  of  a  good  conscience  and  a  pure 
heart. 

Jiut  will  you  tell  us  what  rewards  we  may 


THE  GOOD  LIFE.  107 

expect  for  different  kinds  of  goodness?  What 
reward  may  we  look  for  if  we  worship  God,  and 
trust  him  ? 

You  will  feel  that  God  is  your  friend,  near  you 
always,  cming  for  you,  protecting  you  in  trouble 
and  in  temptation. 

What  will  be  our  reward  if  we  cultivate  a  love 
of  the  beautiful  ? 

You  will  see  beauty  wherever  you  are;  you 
will  love  it  more  and  more,  and  it  will  be  a  great 
delight  to  you. 

What  will  be  our  reward  if  we  maJce  duty  our 
first  object? 

You  will  respect  yourselves,  and  you  will  be 
respected  by  others ;  you  will  be  strong  and 
cheerful ;  you  will  be  spared  disappointment  and 
reproach. 

What  will  be  our  reward  if  we  are  clean  and 
neat  in  our  persons  and  clothes  ? 

You  will  do  much  towards  keeping  well,  and 
making  yourselves  attractive  to  those  about  you. 

What  will  be  our  reward  if  we  are  temperate 
in  eating  and  drinking  ? 

You  will  be  strong,  active,  cheerful.  You  will 
be  likely  to  lead  a  longer,  happier,  and  more  use- 
ful life. 

What  will  be  our  reward  if  we  ai-e  hearty  and 
kind  in  our  manners  ? 

You  will  receive  kindness  in  return ;  you  will 
make  people  happy  about  you ;  you  will  bo  like 
sunshine  and  fresh  air  at  home  and  in  society; 


108  A    CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGIOy. 

you  will  create  good-will,  and  you  will  have  a 
peaceful  heart. 

IVhat  will  be  our  reward  if  we  are  ihouglitfal 
and  gentle  in  our  judgments  of  others ;  if  xoe 
speak  no  ill,  are  not  slanderers  or  faultfinders  f 
You  will  know  that  you  have,  or  deserve  to 
have,  no  enemies.  You  will  be  innocent  of 
hatreds  and  quarrels.  The  good  will  love  you ; 
the  bad  will  be  grateful  to  you  for  seeing  some- 
thing in  them  that  is  good.  You  M'ill  correct  a 
good  deal  of  injustice,  and  will  save  many  people 
from  abuse  and  shame. 

What  will  he  our  reward  if  we  are  true  in  word 
and  deed? 

If  you  are  wisely  and  lovingly  true,  true  in  the 
spirit  of  charity,  you  will  certainly  be  trusted, 
honored,  beloved,  by  all  people.  Nothing  is  so 
much  respected,  and  by  so  many,  as  truth.  Truth 
makes  amends  for  want  of  beauty,  want  of  talent, 
want  of  personal  charm  ;  it  gives  interest  to  the 
uninteresting;  it  makes  the  simple  delightful ;  and 
it  fills  the  heart  with  an  innocent  gladness  which 
no  words  will  express. 

What  will  be  our  reward  if  we  give  ztp  every 
kind  of  pleasure  that  causes  pain  either  to  our 
fellow-creatures  or  to  animals? 

You  will  enjoy  the  great  satisfiiction  of  never 
causing  pain.  Your  pleasures  will  bring  no  sting 
Avith  them,  and  leave  no  sting  behind.  Your  fel- 
low-creatures Avill  think  of  you  sweetly,  and  you 
"will  be  able  to  enjoy  the  greatest  pleasures  most. 


THE  GOOD  LIFE.  109 

What  will  be  our  reward^  if  for  duty^  for  truths 
for  love^  for  kindness^  we  meet  danger^  endure 
pain,  bear  misunderstanding  and  slander  ? 

You  will  have  the  reward  that  nobleness  always 
brings;  namely,  nobleness, — the  best  reward  there 
is  or  can  be.  You  will  be  respected,  loved,  hon- 
ored ;  but,  more  than  this,  you  will  respect  your- 
self, and  you  will  feel  that  all  the  noble,  the  high- 
minded,  the  true-hearted,  are  your  friends.  By 
bearing  pain  for  yourself,  you  become  brave  to 
bear  more  pain ;  by  bearing  pain  for  others,  you 
fulfil  the  Golden  Rule  in  the  very  best  way. 

What  will  be  our  reward  if  we  are  open- 
minded,  willing  to  receive  new  opinions,  and 
ready  to  accept  new  thoughts? 

You  will  receive  new  truths.  Your  minds  will 
become  large,  generous,  sincere.  You  will  even 
be  much  happier  for  your  trust  in  the  Great  Wis- 
dom that  never  leaves  the  sincere  heart  alone  in 
the  dark. 

"What  will  be  our  reward  if  we  stand  up 
bravely  for  tJie  equal  rights  of  all  people  just 
because  they  are  our  fellow-creatures,  — for  the 
saJce  of  justice  ? 

You  will  have  the  respect  of  all  who  do  the 
same ;  you  will  be  a  terror  to  those  who  are  un- 
just; and  you  will  get  the  gi-atitude  of  the  little 
and  the  weak  and  the  abused  whom  you  try  to 
help. 

What  will  be  our  reioard  if  we  cultivate  good 
habits  while  we  are  young  f 


110  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

You  will  be  good  men  and  women  by  and  by. 
What  xoill  be  our  reward  if  we  listen  to  thi 

leaching  of  the  wise,  and  try  to  live  by  it  ? 
You  will  get   wisdom,   and   wisdom   will   be 

power  and  peace  to  you. 


LESSONS  IN  THE   GOOD  LIFE. 

I. 

MY  child,  if  thou  come  to  serve  the  Lord, 
prepare  thyself  for  discij)line. 

Let  me  set  my  heai't  aright,  and  constantly  en- 
dure, and  not  be  fretful  in  time  of  trouble. 

Cleave  unto  him,  and  never  leave  him,  and 
thou  shalt  be  always  the  richer. 

Whatsoever  is  brought  upon  us  may  we  take 
cheerfully,  and  be  patient  when  we  are  made  to 
suffer. 

For  gold  is  tried  in  the  fire ;  and  good  men,  in 
the  fires  of  adversity. 

We  will  believe  in  God,  and  he  will  help  us ; 
we  will  order  our  ways  aright,  and  trust  in  him. 

Ye  that  trust  the  Lord,  wait  for  his  mercy ;  and 
go  not  aside,  lest  ye  fall. 

We  will  trust  the  Lord  and  believe  him,  that 
our  reward  may  not  fail. 


THE  GOOD  LIFE.  Ill 

Ye  that  trust  the  Lord,  hope  for  good,  and  fof 
everlasting  joy  and  mercy. 

Did  ever  any  trust  in  the  Lord,  and  was  con- 
founded ?  or  did  any  abide  in  him,  and  was  lor- 
saken  ?  or  who  was  ever  despised  that  called  on 
him? 

The  Lord  is  full  of  compassion  and  mercy, 
long-suffering  and  very  pitiful,  and  forgiveth  sins, 
and  saveth  in  time  of  sorrow. 

Woe  be  to  fearful  hearts  and  faint  hands ! 

Woe  be  to  us  if  we  are  faint-hearted  and  be- 
lieve not ! 

They  that  trust  the  Lord  will  not  disobey  him, 
and  they  that  love  him  will  keep  his  ways. 

They  that  trust  the  Lord  will  try  to  do  that 
which  pleases  Jiim,  and  they  that  love  him  will 
be  kept  by  his  truth. 

II. 

HEAR  me,  O  children!  and  do  as  I  advise 
you,  that  ye  may  be  safe. 

Tell  us,  thy  children,  what  tliou  wouldst  have 
us  to  do. 

Seek  not  death  by  an  evil  life,  and  bring  not 
ruin  on  yourselves  by  your  own  foolishness. 

The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  beginning  of  knowl- 
edge :  only  the  foolish  despise  instruction. 

IIai)py  is  the  man  that  findeth  wisdom,  and  tho 
man  that  getteth  understanding  : 

The  merchandise  of  it  is  better  than  the  mer- 


112  A    CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

chandise  of  silver;  and  the  gain  of  it,  than  fine 
gold. 

She  is  more  precious  than  rubies;  and  all  the 
things  that  can  be  desired  are  not  to  be  compjired 
to  her. 

Length  of  days  is  in  her  right  hand ;  and  in  her 
left  hand,  riches  and  honor. 

Her  ways  are  ways  of  pleasantness,  and  all  her 
paths  are  peace. 

She  is  a  tree  of  life  to  them  that  lay  hold  on 
her ;  and  happy  is  every  one  that  keepeth  her. 

Wisdom  is  a  loving  spirit ;  it  fills  the  world ; 
it  looks  into  the  heart,  and  knows  the  unspoken 
thought. 

Therefore  we  will  beware  of  murmuring,  and 
keep  from  slander,  and  abstain  from  lying. 

The  hope  of  the  foolish  is  like  dust,  that  is  blown 
away  by  the  wind. 

It  is  like  a  thin  frost,  that  is  driven  away  by  the 
storm. 

It  is  like  smoke,  that  is  scattered  by  a  tempest. 

It  is  like  the  remembrance  of  a  stranger  who 
passes  us  in  the  street. 

Beauty  and  pride  and  riches  and  pleasures 
pass  away  like  shadows  on  the  ground ; 

Like  ships,  that  leave  no  trace  of  their  keel  in 
the  waters  of  the  sea; 

Like  birds  flying  through  the  air,  that  leave  no 
mark  of  their  wings  behind  them ; 

Like  arrows,  that  cut  the  air,  which  comes  to- 
gether again,  and  shows  no  sign  of  their  flight. 


THE  GOOD   LIFE.  113 

The  good  live  forevermore.  The  Most  High 
cares  for  them  ; 

His  right  arm  shall  cover  them;  and  from  the 
Lord's  hand  they  shall  receive  a  beautiful  crown. 

Wisdom  is  easily  seen  by  them  that  love  her, 
and  found  by  them  that  seek  her. 

To  them  that  desire  her,  she  makes  herself 
known  first. 

They  that  seek  her  early  find  her  sitting  at 
their  doors. 

She  goes  about  seeking  for  those  that  are  wor- 
thy of  her.  She  meets  them  kindly  in  the  street ; 
she  comes  to  them  in  every  thought. 

The  beginning  of  wisdom  is  the  desire  for. 
goodness;  and  the  root  of  goodness  is  love. 

Love  keeps  her  laws;  and  to  keep  her  laws  is 
to  be  immortal. 

"Wisdom  is  kind,  steadfast,  sure,  free  from  care, 
powerful,  and  all-seeing. 

She  is  the  breath  of  the  power  of  God,  a  pure 
influence  from  the  Almighty. 

In  all  ages,  entering  into  pure  hearts,  she  makes 
them  friends  of  God  and  children. 

For  God  loveth  all  who  dwell  with  >visdom. 

She  is  more  beautiful  than  the  sun,  artd 
brighter  than  all  the  stars;  she  is  sweeter  than 
the  light  of  day. 

For  after  this   cometh   night ;   but  no   night 
comes  to  wisdom. 
8 


114         A   CUILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 


III. 

HEAR  rae,  O  children !  Honor  your  fathef 
and  your  mother ;  for  the  Lord  hath  given 
the  fatlier  honor  among  his  children,  and  liath 
bestowed  authority  on  the  mother  over  her 
sons. 

He  that  hbnoreth  his  father,  and  is  a  comfort 
to  his  mother,  is  obedient  to  the  Lord. 

Honor  thy  father  and  mother  both  in  word  and 
in  deed,  that  a  blessing  may  come  upon  thee  from 
them. 

For  the  father's  blessing  is  a  safeguard ;  but  the 
mother's  curse  is  a  j^lague. 

My  children,  help  your  father  in  his  age,  and 
grieve  him  not  as  long  as  he  lives. 

To  relieve  our  father  Avill  never  be  forgotten. 

If  his  understanding  fail,  be  patient  with  him ; 
and  despise  him  not  in  his  weakness. 

In  helping  our  father,  we  build  ourselves  up  in 
virtue,  and  in  the  respect  and  love  of  all  parents 
and  children. 

My  child,  defraud  not  the  poor  of  his  living, 
and  make  not  the  needy  to  wait  long. 

We  will  not  make  the  hungry  ones  sorrowful, 
nor  will  we  provoke  those  that  are  sad. 

Add  not  more  trouble  to  a  heart  that  is  vexed, 
and  refuse  not  aid  to  one  that  is  in  need. 

We  will  not  reject  the  prayer  of  the  afflicted, 
nor  turn  away  irom  the  poor. 


THE  GOOD  LIFE.  115 

Turn  not  away  your  eyes  from  the  needy,  and 
give  him  no  occasion  to  curse  you ; 

For,  if  he  curse  us  in  the  bitterness  of  his  heart, 
his  prayer  will  be  heard  by  Him  who  made  us 
both. 

Be  willing  to  listen  to  the  poor,  and  to  give 
him  a  kind  and  friendly  answer. 

May  we  be  ready  to  defend  those  who  are 
wronged  or  oppressed !  and  may  we  be  brave  in 
protecting  the  weak ! 

Beware  of  evil,  and  never  be  ashamed  of  your 
truth  or  virtue; 

For  there  is  a  shame  that  is  sinful,  and  there 
is  a  shame  that  is  beautiful  and  good. 

Accept  no  person  against  your  soul. 

May  not  any  reverence  for  men  cause  us  to 
fall ! 

Never  hesitate  to  speak  when  it  will  do  good, 
nor  let  the  beauty  of  your  truth  be  hidden  ; 

For,  by  speech,  truth  is  known,  and  knowledge 
imparted.  ^ 

Never,  on  any  account,  speak  what  is  not  true. 

May  we  be  ashamed  if  we  do  not  know  what 
the  truth  is ! 

Be  willing  to  confess  mistakes  and  ignorance. 

May  we  ever  be  straightforward  in  word  and 
in  thought! 

Let  not  foolish  people  be  your  masters. 

The  mighty  shall  not  make  us  slaves. 

Be  not  quick  in  words,  and  slack  iu  deeds.  Be 
not  harsh  with  those  that  serve  you. 


116  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

May  we  be  patient  and  gentle  with  all !  May 
our  lives  be  sincere!  • 

Do  not  open  your  hand  when  there  is  any  thing 
to  get,  and  shut  it  when  there  is  something  to 
give. 

May  we  not  think  too  much  of  the  fine  things 
that  Ave  possess  ! 

Strive  for  the  truth  to  the  death, 

And  the  Lord  will  fisht  for  us. 


IV. 

CAST  your  bread  upon  the  waters, 
And  we  shall  find  it  after  many  days. 

Give  a  portion  to  seven,  and  even  to  eight. 

We  know  not  what  evil  shall  be  upon  earth. 

He  that  mindeth  the  wind  will  never  sow; 

He  that  watcheth  the  clouds  will  never  reap. 

In  the  morning  sow  your  seed ;  in  the  evening 
still  continue  to  scatter  it. 

For  we  know  not  which  shall  be  fruitful,  or 
whether  both  may  not  be. 

Sweet  is  the  light  of  morning,  and  pleasant  to 
the  eye  the  sight  of  day ; 

But  if  we  live  many  years,  and  are  happy  in 
them  all,  we  must  not  forget  the  dark  days  that 
may  come. 

Kejoice,  O  children !  in  your  youth,  and  let 
your  hearts  be  merry  in  the  days  of  your  youth ; 
liave  happy  thoughts,  and  enjoy  the  pleasures 
that  you  possess.  • 


THE  GOOD  LIFE.  117 

But  may  we  remember  that  we  must  use  all 
these  things  ariglit ! 

Remember  your  Creator  in  the  days  of  your 
youth,  before  the  sad  days  come, 

And  the  years  in  which  we  can  have  no  pleasure ; 

Before  the  sun  and  the  moon  and  the  stai*s 
are  darkened, 

And  the  rain-clouds  never  clear  away; 

When  the  strong  limbs  tremble  from  weakness, 

And  the  eyes  through  dimness  are  darkened  ; 

When  the  mouth  opens  not  for  eating  or  for 
speech. 

And  the  note  of  the  early  bird  breaks  the  slum- 
ber, and  the  music  of  the  human  voice  is  unheard ; 

When  there  is  constant  fear  of  stumbling,  and 
falling  in  the  common  way; 

When  the  most  delicate  fruit  is  not  relished, 
and  the  taste  for  food  is  gone  : 

Because  the  old  man  is  going  to  his  long  home, 
and  sadness  is  gathering  about  him. 

For  the  silver  cord  which  holds  life's  lamp  sus- 
pended shall  be  snapped, 

And  the  golden  bowl  of  the  lamp  shall  be 
broken. 

And  the  bucket  shall  be  broken  at  the  fountain. 

And  the  wheel  shall  be  broken  at  the  well. 

And  the  dust  shall  return  to  the  dust  as  it  was  ; 

But  the  spirit  shall  return  to  God  who  gave  it. 

Fear  God,  thereftre,  and  keep  his  command- 
ments ; 

For  this  is  the  duty  of  ail. 


118         A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 


V. 

BLESSED  are  tlie  pooi*  in  spirit; 
For  theirs  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 

Blessed  are  they  that  mourn ; 

F'or  they  shall  be  comforted. 

Blessed  are  the  meek  ; 
•  For  they  shall  inherit  the  earth. 

Blessed  are  they  which  do  hunger  and  thirst 
after  righteousness ; 

For  they  shall  be  filled. 

Blessed  arc  the  merciful; 

For  they  shall  obtain  mercy. 

Blessed  are  the  pure  in  heart ; 

For  they  shall  see  God. 

Blessed  are  the  peace-makers  ; 

For  they  shall  be  called  the  children  of  God. 

Blessed  are  they  which  are  persecuted  for 
righteousness'  sake ; 

For  theirs  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 

It  was  said  to  the  men  of  the  olden  time, 
Thou  shalt  not  kill ;  and  whosoever  shall  kill  shall 
be  in  danger  of  the  judgment. 

But  the  voice  of  Jesus  says  to  us,  Whosoever 
is  angry  with  his  brother,  without  cause,  shall  be 
in  danger  of  the  judgment. 

The  men  of  the  olden  time  were  told  that  they 
should  not  perjure  themselves,  but  should  perform 
whatever  they  had  sworn. 

But  the  Great  Teacher  says  to  us,  Swear  not 


THE  GOOD  LIFE.  119 

at  all ;  neither  by  heaven,  for  it  is  God's  throne ; 
nor  by  the  earth,  for  it  is  his  footstool:  but  let 
your  simple  "Yes"  and  "No"  be  sufficient. 

The  men  of  the  olden  time  were  taught  to 
exact  an  eye  for  fin  eye,  and  a  tooth  for  a  tooth ; 

But  the  Master  says  to  us,  Return  not  evil  for 
evil;  but,  if  one  strike  thee  on  thy  right  cheek, 
turn  to  him  the  other  also. 

In  the  olden  time  it  was  taught,  that,  if  men 
loved  their  neighbors,  they  might  hate  their 
enemies. 

A  holier  Spirit  has  taught  us  to  love  our  enemies, 
to  bless  them  that  curse  us,  to  do  good  to  them 
that  hate  us,  to  pray  for  them  that  abuse  us  and 
persecute  us;  that  we  may  be  the  children  of  our 
heavenly  Father:  for  he  makes  his  sun  to  rise 
on  the  evil  and  on  the  good,  and  sends  rain  for 
the  just  and  for  the  unjust. 

If  ye  love  them  that  love  you,  what  merit  is 
there  ? 

None ;  for  wicked  people  do  as  much  as  that. 

And,  if  you  are  kind  to  your  kindred  only,  do 
you  do  any  thing  worthy  of  praise  ? 

No ;  for  wicked  people  may  be  good  enough 
for  that.  We  are  bidden  to  be  perfect  in  the 
same  way  that  God  is  perfect. 


120  A   CniLiyS  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 


VI. 

LAY  not  up  for  yourselves  treasures  on  earth, 
where  moth  and  rust  corrupt,  and  where 
thieves  break  in  and  steal;  but  lay  up  for  your- 
selves treasures  in  heaven,  where  neither  moth  nor 
rust  corrupt,  and  where  thieves  do  not  break  in 
and  steal. 

Where  the  treasure  is,  there  the  heart  is  also. 

The  light  of  the  body  is  the  eye  :  if  thine  eye 
be  clear,  thy  whole  body  will  be  full  of  light ;  but, 
if  thine  eye  be  diseased,  thy  whole  body  shall  be 
full  of  darkness. 

If  the  inward  light  be  darkness,  how  great  will 
be  that  darkness ! 

No  one  can  serve  two  masters :  for  either  he 
will  hate  this  one,  and  love  that ;  or  else  he  will 
hold  to  that  one,  and  despise  this. 

We  cannot  serve  God  and  Mammon. 

Therefore  I  say  unto  you.  Take  no  thought 
for  your  life,  what  ye  shall  eat,  or  what  ye  i^all 
drink ;  nor  yet  for  your  body,  what  ye  shall  put 
on. 

Is  not  the  life  more  than  meat,  and  the  body 
than  raiment? 

**  Behold  the  fowls  of  the  air ;  for  they  sow  not, 
neither  do  they  reap,  nor  gather  into  barns  : 

Yet  our  heavenly  Father  feedeth  them. 

Consider  the  lilies  of  the  field  how  they  grow; 
they  toil  not,  neither  do  they  spin  ; 


THE  GOOD  LIFE.  121 

Yet  even  Solomon  in  all  his  glory  was  not  ar- 
rayed like  one  of  these. 

If  God  so  clothe  the  grass  of  the  field,  which  is 
to-day,  and  to-raorrow  is  cast  into  the  oven. 

Will  he  not  much  more  clothe  us  ? 

Therefore  take  no  thought,  saying,  What  shall 
we  eat?  what  shall  we  drink?  wherewithal  shall 
we  be  clothed  ? 

Our  heavenly  Father  knoweth  that  we  have 
need  of  all  these  things. 

But  seek  ye  first  the  kingdom  of  God  and  his 
righteousness, 

And  all  these  things  shall  be  added  unto  us. 

Take  therefore  no  thought  for  the  morrow ;  ibr 
the  morrow  will  take  thought  for  its  own  con- 
cerns. 

Sufiicient  unto  the  day  is  the  care  thereof. 


vn. 

THOUCrH  I  speak  with  the  tongues  of  men 
and  of  angels,  and  have  not  charity, 

I  am  a^  sounding  brass  or  a  tinkling  cymbal. 

And  though  I  have  the  gifl  of  prophecy,  and 
understand  all  mysteries  and  all  knowledge ;  and 
though  I  have  all  faith,  so  that  I  can  remove 
mountains,  —  and  have  not  charity, 

I  am  nothing. 

And  though  I  bestow  all  my  goods  to  feed  the 
poor,  and  though  I  give  my  body  to  bo  burned, 
and  have  not  charity, 


122         A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  BELIQION. 

It  profiteth  mo  nothing. 

Charity  sufFereth  long,  and  is  kind ; 

Charity  envieth  not ; 

Chanty  vaunteth  not  itself;  is  not  puffed  up ; 

Doth  not  behave  itself  unseemly ; 

Seeketh  not  her  own  ; 

Is  not  easily  provoked ; 

Thinketh  no  evil ; 

Rejoiceth  not  in  inquity,  but  rejoiceth  in  the 
truth ; 

Beareth  all  things, 

Believeth  all  things, 

Ilopeth  all  things, 

Endureth  all  things. 

Charity  never  faileth ; 

But  prophecies  shall  fail, 

Tongues  shall  cease, 

Knowledge  shall  vanish  away. 

For  we  know  in  part,  and  we  prophesy  in  part. 

But,  when  that  which  is  perfect  is  come,  that 
which  is  in  part  shall  be  done  away. 

When  I  was  a  child,  I  spake  as  ^  child,  I 
understood  as  a  child,  I  thought  as  a  child  ;  but, 
when  I  became  a  man,  I  put  away  child>sh  things. 

Now  we  see  through  a  glass  darkly,  but  then 
face  to  face. 

Now  I  know  in  part ; 

But  then  shall  I  know  even  as  also  I  ara  known. 

And  now  abide  Faith,  Hope,  Charity,  —  these 
three  ; 

But  the  greatest  of  these  is  Charity. 


TUE  GOOD  LIFE.  123 

VIII. 

THE  PSALM  OF  LIFE. 

ri"^ELL  me  not,  in  mournful  numbers, 
JL      Life  is  but  an  empty  dream ; 
For  the  soul  is  dead  that  slumbers, 
And  things  are  not  what  they  seem. 

Life  is  real,  life  is  earnest, 

And  the  gi-ave  is  not  its  goal : 
"Dust  thou  art,  to  dust  returnest," 

"Was  not  spoken  of  the  soul. 

Not  enjoyment,  and  not  sorrow, 

Is  our  destined  end  or  way ; 
But  to  act,  that  each  to-morrow 

Find  us  farther  than  to-day. 

Art  ia  long,  and  Time  is  fleeting ; 

And  our  hearts,  though  stout  and  brave. 
Still  like  muffled  drums  are  beating 

Funeral-marches  to  the  grave. 

In- the  woi-ld's  broad  field  of  battle, 

In  the  bivouac  of  life. 
Be  not  like  dumb,  driven  cattle; 

Be  a  hero  in  the  strife ! 

Trust  no  future,  howe'er  pleasant; 

Let  the  dead  Past  bury  its  dead : 
Act,  act,  in  the  living  Present, — 

Heart  within,  and  God  o'erhead  I 


124  A    CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  liELJGION. 

Lives  of  great  men  all  remind  us 
We  can  make  our  lives  sublime ; 

And,  departing,  leave  behind  us 
Footprints  on  the  sands  of  time, — 

Footprints  that  perhaps  another, 
Sailing  o'er  Life's  solemn  main,  — 
,    A  forlorn  and  shipwrecked  brother,  — 
Seeing,  shall  take  heart  again. 

Let  us,  then,  be  up  and  doing, 

With  a  heart  for  any  fate ; 
Still  achieving,  still  pursuing. 

Learn  to  labor  and  to  wait. . 

n.   W.  Lcmgfdlow. 

IX. 

LITTLE   MOMENTS. 

LITTLE  moments,  how  they  fly! 
Golden-winged;^  flitting  by ; 
Bearing  many  things  for  me 
Into  vast  eternity. 

Never  do  they  wait  to  ask 
If  completed  is  my  task  : 
Whether  gathering  grain  or  weeds, 
Doing  good  or  evil  deeds. 
Onward  haste  they  evermore, 
Adding  all  unto  their  store. 

And  the  little  moments  keep 
Record,  if  we  wake  or  sleep. 
Of  our  every  thonglit  and  deed, 
For  us  all  some  time  to  read. 


THE  GOOD  LIFE.  125 

Artists  are  the  moments  too ; 
Ever  painting  something  new 
On  the  walls  and  in  the  air, — 
Painting  pictures  everywhere. 

If  we  smile,  or  if  we  frown, 
Little  moments  put  it  down  ; 
And  the  angel  Memory 
Guards  the  whole  eternally. 

Let  us  then  so  careful  be, 
That  they  bear  for  you  and  me, 
On  their  little  noiseless  wings. 
Only  good  and  pleasant  things ; 
And  that  pictures  which  they  paint 
Have  no  background  of  complaint : 
So  the  angel  Memory 
May  not  blush  for  you  and  me. 


LITTLE   FINGERS. 

BUSY  little  fingers, 
Everywhere  they  go ; 
Rosy  little  fingers, — 

The  sweetest  that  I  know. 

Now  into  my  work-box. 
All  tlie  buttons  finding. 

Tangling  up  the  knitting, 
Every  spool  unwinding. 


126  A  CniLB'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

Now  into  the  basket 

Where  the  keys  are  hidden, 

So  mischievous  looking, 
Knowing  it  forbidden. 

Then  in  mother's  tresses; 

Now  her  neck  infolding 
With  such  sweet  caresses, 

Keeping  off  a  scolding. 

Darling  little  fingers. 

Never,  never  still : 
Make  them,  heavenly  Father, 

One  day  do  thy  will. 

Children's  Picture  Magazine, 


XI. 

THE   SULTAN'S  LESSON. 

A  SULTAN  placed  before  his  throne  one  day 
Three  vases,  —  one  of  gold,  one  amber,  and 
one  clay; 
And,  when  his  seal  was  set  upon  each  nrn, 
His  three  sons,  at  his  bidding,  chose  in  turn. 

Upon  the  golden  vase,  Empire  was  Avrit ; 
Resplendent  jewels  all  around  it  stood : 
The  eldest  grasped  that  vase  and  opened  it. 
But  shrank  to  find  it  brimming  full  of  blood. 

Glory  upon  the  amber  vase  shone  bright ; 
Fresh  wreaths  of  laurel  twined  the  letters  o'er: 
The  second  seized  it  quick ;  but  ah,  sad  sight  I 
'Twas  filled  with  dust  of  heroes  known  no  more. 


THE  GOOD  LIFE.  127 

No  word  was  written  on  the  vase  of  eartli ; 
But  still  the  youngest  prince  advanced  liis  claim : 
He  oped  the  ura  araid  the  courtiers'  mirth, 
And  nought  was  in  it  save  God's  holy  name. 

The  sultan  to  the  throng  of  courtiers  turned, 
And  asked  which  of  the  vases  weighed  the  most. 
Various  the  thoughts  that  in  their  bosoms  burned, 
And  came  to  speech  among  the  glittering  host. 

The  warriors  said,  "  The  golden  vase  of  might ; " 
The  poets  said,  "  The  amber  vase  of  fame ; " 
The  sages  said,  '*  The  vase  emblem  of  Right,  — 
The  globe  is  lighter  than  God's  written  name." 

Then  said  the  sultan,  "  Sons,  remember  well 
The  meaning  of  the  lesson  read  to-day: 
When  the  scales  tremble  betwixt  heaven  and  hell, 
The  name  of  God  will  all  the  rest  outweigh." 

Alger's  Oriental  Poetry  {altered). 


XII. 

AGREED!  — A   CREED. 

TO  make  the  most  of  life  and  health, 
To  take  the  safest  road  to  wealth,  — 
Agreed ! 
To  live  upon  the  temperance-plan, 
To  do  a  kindness  when  I  can. 

To  help  my  neighbor  in  his  need,  — 
Agreed ! 

To  envy  not  the  rich  and  great, 
To  be  content  with  my  estate,  — 
Agreed  I 


128         A  CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  BELIQION. 

To  early  sow  if  I  would  reap, 
To  quench  my  wrath  before  I  sleep, 
To  others'  wants  and  wishes  heed,-^ 
Agreed ! 

To  guide  the  footsteps  of  the  young, 
To  let  not  slander  stain  my  tongue, — 

Agreed ! 
To  daily  earn  what  I  shall  eat. 
To  strive  in  dealing  not  to  cheat, 
To  do  my  best  in  word  and  deed,  — 

Agreed ! 

Mrs.  Kidder. 


XIII. 
SOWING. 

ARE  we  sowing  seeds  of  kindness  ? 
They  shall  blossom  bright  ere  long. 
Are  we  sowing  seeds  of  discord  ? 

They  shall  ripen  into  wrong. 
Are  we  sowing  seeds  of  honor? 

They  shall  bring  forth  golden  grain. 
Are  we  sowing  seeds  of  falsehood? 
We  shall  yet  reap  bitter  pain. 
Whatsoe'er  our  sowing  be. 
Reaping,  we  its  fruits  must  see. 

We  can  never  be  too  careful 

What  the  seed  our  hands  shall  sow : 
Love  from  love  is  sure  to  ripen  ; 

Hate  from  hate  is  sure  to  grow. 
Seeds  of  good  or  ill  we  scatter 

Heedlessly  along  our  way; 
But  a  glad  or  grievous  fruitage 

Waits  us  at  the  harvest-day. 
Whatsoe'er  our  sowing  be, 
Reaping,  we  its  fruits  must  see. 


THE  GOOD  LIFE.  12ft 

xrv. 

STRIVE,  WAIT,  AND  PRAY. 

STRIVE  :  yet  I  do  not  promise 
The  prize  you  dream  of  to-day 
Will  not  fade  when  you  think  to  grasp  it 

And  melt  in  your  hand  away ; 
But  another  and  holier  treasure 

You  would  now  perchance  disdain 
Will  come  when  your  trial  is  over, 
And  pay  you  for  all  your  pain. 

Wait :  yet  I  do  not  tell  you  • 

The  hour  you  long  for  now 
Will  come,  with  its  radiance  vanished, 

And  a  shadow  on  its  brow  ; 
Yet  far  through  the  misty  future, 

With  a  crown  of  starry  light. 
An  hour  of  joy  you  knew  not 

Is  winging  her  silent  flight. 

Pray :  though  the  gift  you  ask  for 

May  never  comfort  your  fears. 
May  never  repay  your  pleading ; 

Yet  pray  with  hopeful  teara. 
An  answer,  not  that  you  long  for. 

But  diviner,  will  come  one  day : 
Your  cye»  are  too  dim  to  see  it ; 

Yet  strive  and  wait  and  pray. 

Adtlaidt  A.  ProcUr. 
8 


180         A  GUILD'S  BOOK  OF  HELIGION. 

XV. 

GIVE. 

SEE  the  rivers  flowing 
Downward  to  the  sea, 
Pouring  all  their  treasures 

Bountiful  and  free! 
Yet,  to  help  their  giving, 

Hidden  springs  arise ; 
Or,  if  need  be,  showers 
Feed  them  from  the  skies. 

Watch  the  princely  flowers 

Their  rich  fragrance  spread. 
Load  the  air  with  perfumes 

From  their  beauty  shed; 
Yet  their  lavish  spending 

Leaves  them  not  in  dearth. 
With  fresh  life  replenished 

By  their  mother-earth. 

Give  thy  heart's  best  treasures; 

From  fair  Nature  learn : 
Give  thy  love,  and  ask  not. 

Wait  not,  a  return. 
And,  the  more  thou  spendest 

From  thy  little  store, 
With  a  double  bounty 

God  will  give  thee  more. 

Adelaide  A.  ProoUr. 


TEE  GOOD  LIFE.  131 

XVI. 
SOWING  AND  REAPING. 

SOW  with  a  generous  hand ; 
Pause  not  for  toil  or  pain ; 
Weary  not  through  the  heat  of  summer, 

Weary  not  through  the  cold  spring  rain ; 
But  wait  till  the  autumn  comes 
For  the  sheaves  of  golden  grain. 

Scatter  the  seed,  and  fear  not : 

A  table  will  be  spread. 
What  matter  if  you  are  too  weary 

To  eat  your  hard-earned  bread : 
Sow  while  the  earth  is  broken  ; 

For  the  hungry  must  be  fed. 

Sow :  while  the  seeds  are  lying 
In  the  warm  earth's  bosom  deep, 

And  your  wai-ra  tears  fall  upon  it. 
They  will  stir  in  their  quiet  sleep, 

And  the  green  blades  rise  the  quicker, 
Perchance,  for  the  tears  you  weep. 

Then  sow ;  for  the  hours  are  fleeting. 

And  the  seed  must  fall  to-day  : 
And  care  noT  what  hands  shall  reap  it, 

Or  if  you  shall  have  passed  away 
Before  the  waving  corn-fields 

Shall  gladden  the  sunny  day. 


132  A   GUILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

Sow:  and  look  onward,  upward, 
Where  the  starry  light  appears ; 

Where,  in  spite  of  the  coward's  doubting, 
Or  your  own  heart's  trembling  fears, 

You  shall  reap  in  joy  the  harvest 
You  have  sown  to-day  in  tears. 

Adelaide  A.  Procter, 


xvn. 

WORDS. 

WORDS  are  lighter  than  the  cloud-foam 
Of  the  restless  ocean-spray ; 
Vainer  than  the  trembling  shadow 
That  the  next  hour  steals  away. 
By  the  fallof  summer  rain-drops 

Is  the  air  as  deeply  stirred  ; 
And  the  rose-leaf  that  we  tread  on 
Will  outlive  a  word. 

Yet,  on  the  dull  silence  breaking 

With  a  lightning-flash,  a  word, 
Bearing  endless  desolation 

On  its  blighting  wings,  I  heard. 
Eai'th  can  forge  no  keener  Weapon, 

Dealing  surer  death  and  pain  ; 
And  the  cruel  echo  answered 

Through  long  years  again. 


THE  GOOD  LIFE.  133 

I  have  known  one  word  hang  star-like 

O'er  a  dreary  waste  of  years ; 
And  it  only  shone  the  brighter,  \ 

Looked  at  through  a  mist  of  tears ; 
While  a  weary  wanderer  gathered 

Hope  and  heart  on  life's  dark  way, 
By  its  faithful  promise,  shining 

Clearer  day  by  day. 

I  have  known  a  spirit  calmer 

Than  the  calmest  lake,  and  clear 
As  the  heavens  that  gazed, upon  it, 

With  no  wave  of  hope  or  fear ; 
But  a  storm  had  swept  across  it, 

And  its  deepest  depths  were  stirred  — 
Never,  never  more  to  slumber  — 

Only  by  a  word. 

I  have  known  a  word  more  gentle 

Than  the  breath  of  summer  ah' : 
In  a  listening  heart  it  nestled. 

And  it  lived  forever  there. 
Not  the  beating  of  its  prison 

Stirred  it  ever,  night  or  day : 
Only  with  the  heart's  last  throbbing 

Could  it  fade  away. 

Words  are  mighty,  words  are  living,  — 
Serpents  with  their  venomous  stings ; 

Or  bright  angels,  crowding  round  us 
With  heaven's  light  upon  their  wings. 


184         A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

Eveiy  word  has  its  own  spirit, 
True  or  false,  that  never  dies  : 

Every  word  man's  lips  have  uttered 
Echoes  in  God's  skies. 


Adelaide  A.  Procter. 


XYIIL 

WISHES. 

ALL  the  fluttering  wishes 
Caged  within  thy  heart 
Beat  their  wings  against  it, 

Longing  to  depart, 
Till  they  shake  their  prison 
With  their  wounded  cry. 
Open,  then,  thy  heart  to-day. 
And  let  the  captives  fly. 

Let  them  first  fly  upward 

Through  the  starry  air. 
Till  you  almost  lose  them. 

For  their  home  is  there  ; 
Then,  with  outspread  piniona 

Circling  round  and  round, 
Wing  their  way  wherever 

Want  and  woe  are  found  ; 

Where  the  weary  stitcher 
Toils  for  daily  bread; 

Wliere  the  lonely  watcher 
Watches  by  her  dead ; 


THE  GOOD  LIFE.  18S 

Where,  with  thin,  weak  fingers 

Toiling  at  the  loom, 
Stand  the  little  children 

Blighted  ere  they  bloom ;  • 

Where,  by  darkness  blinded, 

Groping  for  the  light, 
With  distorted  conscience. 

Men  do  wrong  for  right; 
Where,  in  the  cold  shadow 

By  smooth  pleasure  thrown, 
Human  hearts  by  hundreds 

Harden  into  stone  ; 

Where  on  dusty  highways. 

With  faint  heart  and  slow, 
Cursing  the  glad  sunlight, 

Hungry  outcasts  go; 
Where  all  mirth  is  silenced, 

And  the  hearth  is  chill, 
For  one  place  is  empty. 

And  one  voice  is  still. 

Some  hearts  will  be  lighter, 

While  your  captives  roam, 
For  their  tender  singing: 

Then  recall  them  home. 
When  the  sunny  hours 

Into  night  depart. 
Softly  they  will  nestle 

la  a  quiet  heart. 

Adelaide  A.  Procter. 


186         A  CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 


» 


XIX. 

THE  DARLING  LITTLE  GIEL. 

WHO'S  the  darling  little  girl 
Everybody  loves  to  see  ? 
She  it  is  whose  sunny  face 
Is  as  sweet  as  sweet  can  be. 

Who's  the  darling  little  girl 

Everybody  loves  to  hear  ? 
She  it  is  whose  pleasant  voice 

Falls  like  music  on  the  ear. 

Wlio's  the  darling  little  girl 

Everybody  loves  to  know  ? 
She  it  is  whose  acts  and  thoughts 

All  are  pure  as  whitest  snoW. 

Who's  the  darling  little  girl 

Even  Jesus  Christ  can  love  ? 
She  it  is,  who,  meek  and  good. 

Daily  grows  like  him  above. 

Hymns  for  Mothers  and  Children. 


THE  GOOD  LIFE.  137 

XX. 

THE  LESSON  OF  THE  FLOWERS. 

COME,  my  love,  and  do  not  spurn 
From  a  little  flower  to  leavn. 
See  the  lily  on  its  bed, 
Hanging  down  its  modest  head, 
"While  it  scarcely  can  be  seen, 
Folded  in  its  leaf  of  green  I 

Yet  we  love  the  lily  well 
For  its  sweet  and  pleasant  smell, 
And  would  rather  call  it  ours 
Than  many  other  gayer  flowers : 
Pretty  lilies  seem  to  be 
Emblems  of  humility.  • 

Come,  my  love,  and  do  not  spurn 
From  a  little  fl6wer  to  learn. 
Let  your  temper  be  as  sweet 
As  the  lily  at  your  feet; 
Be  as  gentle,  be  as  mild  ; 
Be  a  modest,  humlle  child. 

'Tis  not  beauty  that  we  prize,  — 

Like  a  summer's  flower  it  dies  ;  * 

But  humility  will  last. 

Fair  and  sweet,  when  beauty's  past : 

And  the  Father  from  above 

Views  a  humble  child  with  love. 

Ilfftnns  for  ifuthers  and  ChUdreru 


138         A   GUILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

XXI. 

THE  BEGGAR. 

A  BEGGAR  through  the  world  am  I ; 
From  place  to  place  I  wander  by : 
Fill  up  my  pilgrim's  scrip  for  me 
For  Christ's  sweet  sake  and  charity ! 

A  little  of  thy  steadfastness, 

Rounded  with  leafy  gracefulness, 

Old  oak,  give  me, 

That  the  world's  blasts  may  round  me  blow, 

And  I  yield  gently  to  and  fro. 

While  my  stout-hearted  trunk  below, 

And  firm-set.  roots,  unshaken  be. 

Some  of  thy  stern,  unyielding  might. 
Enduring  still,  through  day  and  night, 
Rude  tempest-shock  and  withering  blight, 
That  I  may  keep  at  bay 
The  changeful  April  sky  of  chance. 
And  the  strong  tide  of  circumstance. 
Give  me,  old  granite  gray. 

Sopie  of  thy  pensiveriess  serene. 

Some  of  thy  never-dying  green. 

Put  in  this  scrip  of  mine. 

That  griefs  may  fall  like  snow-flakes  light, 

And  deck  me  in  a  robe  of  white. 


THE  GOOD  LIFE.  139 

Ready  to  be  an  angel  bright, 
O  sweetly  mournful  pine  I 

A  little  of  thy  merriment, 
Of  thy  sparkling,  light  content, 
Give  me,  my  cheerful  brook ; 
That  I  may  still  be  full  of  glee 
And  gladsomeness  where'er  I  be. 
Though  fickle  Fate  hath  prisoned  me 
In  some  neglected  nook. 

Ye  have  been  very  kind  and  good 
To  me  since  I've  been  in  the  wood  ; 
Ye  have  gone  nigh  to  fill  my  heart. 
But  good-by,  kind  friends,  every  one ; 
I've  far  to  go  ere  set  of  sun  : 
Of  all  good  #ings  I  would  have  part. 
The  day  was  high  ere  I  could  start. 
And  80  my  journey's  scarce  begun. 

Heaven  help  me !  how  could  I  forget 
To  beg  of  thee,,  dear  violet ! 
Some  of  thy  modesty. 
That  blossoms  here  as  well,  unseen, 
As  if  before  the  world  thou'dst  been : 
Oh  !  give,  to  strengthen  me. 

J.  R.  Lowell 


140         A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

XXII. 

KINDNESS  TO  ANIMALS. 

TURN,  turn  the  hasty  foot  aside, 
Nor  crush  the  helpless  worm  : 
The  frame  thy  wayward  looks  deride 
Required  a  God  to  form.         ^ 

The  common  Lord  of  all  that  move, 
From  whom  thy  being  flowed, 

A  portion  of  his  boundless  love 
On  that  poor  worm  bestowed. 

The  sun,  the  moon,  the  stars,  he  made 

To  all  his  creatures  free ; 
And  spreads  o'er  earth  the  grassy  blade 

For  worms  as  well  as  thee. 

Let  them  enjoy  their  little  day, 

Their  lowly  bliss  receive : 
Oh  I  do  not  lightly  take  away 

The  life  thou  canst  not  give. 


Giabome. 


THE  GOOD  LIFE.  141 


•  XXIII. 

"  Not  to  myself  alone," 
The  little  opening  flower  transported  cries,  — 
"  Not  to  myself  alone  I  bud  and  bloom  : 
With  fragrant  breath  the  breezes  I  perfume, 
And  gladden  all  things  with  my  rainbow  dyes. 
The  bee  comes  sipping  every  eventide 

His  dainty  fill ; 
The  butterfly  within  my  cup  doth  hide 
From  thi-eatening  ill." 

"  Not  to  myself  alone," 
The  circling  star  with  honest  pride  doth  boast,  — • 
"  Not  to  myself  alone  I  rise  and  set : 
I  write  upon  Night's  coronal  of  jet 
His  power  and  skill  who  formed  our  myriad  host ; 
A  friendly  beacon  at  heaven's  open  gate, 

I  gem  the  sky, 
That  man  may  ne'er  forget  in  every  fat« 
His  home  on  high." 

"Not  to  myself  alone," 
The  heavy-laden  bee  doth  murmuring  hum,  — 
"Not  to  myself  alone,  from  flower  to  flower, 
I  rove  the  wood,  the  garden,  and  the  bower, 
And  to  the  hive  at  evening  weary  come. 
For  man,  for  man,  the  luscious  food  I  pilo 

With  busy  care. 
Content  if  I  repay  my  ceaseless  toil 
With  scanty  share." 


142  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

"Not  to  myself  alone," 
The  soaring  bird  with  lusty  pinion  sings,  — 
"  Not  to  myself  alone  I  raise  my  ^ng : 
I  cheer  the  drooping  with  my  warbling  tongue, 
And  bear  the  mariner  on  ray  viewless  wings ; 
I  bid  the  hymnless  churl  my  anthem  learn, 
And  God  adore ; 
I  call  the  worldling  from  his  dross  to  turn, 
And  sing  and  soar." 

"  Not  to  myself  alone," 
The  streamlet  whispers  on  its  pebbly  way,  — 
"  Not  to  myself  alone  I  sparkling  glide  : 
I  scatter  health  and  life  on  every  side. 
And  strew  the  fields  with  herb  and  floweret  gay ; 
I  sing  unto  the  common,  bleak  and  bare. 

My  gladsome  tune ; 
I  sweeten  and  refresh  the  languid  air 
In  dusty  June." 

"Not  to  myself  alone." 
O  man!  forget  not  thou — Earth's  honored  priest. 
Its  tongue,  its  soul,  its  lip,  its  pulse,  its  heart — • 
In  Earth's  great  chorus  to  sustain  thy  part. 
Chiefest  of  guests  at  Life's  ungrudging  feast. 
Play  not  the  niggard ;  spurn  thy  native  clod, 

And  self  disown ; 
Live  to  thy  neighbor,  live  unto  thy  God, 
Not  to  thyself  alone. 

Eymns  for  Mothers  and  Children. 


THE  GOOD  LIFE,  143 

XXIV. 

EVERY  LITTLE  HELPS.' 

SUPPOSE  a  little  twinkling  star, 
Away  in  yonder  sky, 
Should  say,  "  What  light  can  reach  so  far 

From  such  a  star  as  I  ? 
Not  many  rays  of  mine  so  far 

As  yonder  earth  can  fall : 
The  others  so  much  brighter  are, 
I  will  not  shine  at  all." 

Suppose  a  bright-green  leaf,  that  grows 

Upon  the  rose-bush  near, 
Should  say,  "  Because  I'm  not  a  rose, 

I  will  not  linger  here ; " 
Or  that  a  dew-drop,  fresh  and  bright 

Ui^on  that  fragrant  flower, 
Should  say,  "  I'll  vanish  out  of  sight 

Because  I'm  not  a  shower." 

Suppose  a  little  child  should  say, 

"  Because  I'm  not  a  man, 
I  will  not  try,  in  word  or  play, 

To  do  what  good  I  can." 
Dear  child,  each  star  some  light  can  give, 

Though  gleaming  faintly  there ; 
Each  rose-leaf  helps  the  plant  to  live ; 

Each  dew-drop  keeps  it  fair. 


144         A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

And  our  good  Father  who's  in  heaven, 

And  doth  all  creatures  view, 
To  every  little  child  has  given 

Some  needful  work  to  do. 
Kind  deeds  towards  those  with  whom  you  live. 

Kind  words  and  actions  right, 
Shall,  'raid  the  world's  worst  darkness,  give 

A  little  precious  lights 

Eijmns  for  Mothers  and  Children. 


XXV.  * 

LITTLE  DEEDS. 


NOT  mighty  deeds  make  up  the  sum 
Of  happiness  below ; 
But  little  acts  of  kindliness, 
Which  any  child  may  show. 

A  merry  sound  to  cheer  the  babe, 

And  tell  a  friend  is  near ; 
A  word  of  ready  sympathy 

To  dry  the  childish  tear ; 

A  glass  of  water  timely  brought ; 

An  offered  easy-chair; 
A  turning  of  the  window-blind 

That  all  may  feel  the  air; 


TEE  GOOD  LIFE.  145 

An  early  flower  unasked  bestowed ; 

A  light  and  cautious  tread ; 
A  voice  to  gentlest  whisper  hushed 

To  spare  the  aching  head,  — 

Oh !  deeds  like  these,  though  little  things, 

Yet  purest  love  disclose. 
As  fragrant  perfume  on  the  air 

Reveals  the  hidden  rose. 

Our  heavenly  Father  loves  to  see 

These  precious  fruits  of  love ; 
And,  if  we  only  serve  him  here, 

We'll  dwell  with  him  above. 

Bymns  for  Mothers  and  Children. 


XXVI. 

GENTLENESS. 

SPEAK  gently :  it  is  better  far 
To  rule  by  love  than  fear. 
Speak  gently :  let  no  hai*sh  word  mar 

The  good  we  might  do  here. 
Speak  gently  to  the  aged  one ; 

Grieve  not  the  care-worn  heart ; 
The  sands  of  life  arc  nearly  run  : 
Let  such  in  peace  depart. 

10 


146         A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

Speak  gently,  kindly,  to  the  poor ; 

Let  no  harsh  tone  be  heard  : 
They  have  enough  they  must  endure, 

Without  an  unkind  word. 
Speak  gently  to  the  erring : 

Ye  know  not  of  the  power 
With  which  the  dark  temptation  canio 

In  some  unguarded  hour. 

Ye  may  not  know  how  earnestly 

They  struggled,  nor  how  well, 
Until  the  hour  of  weakness  came, 

And  sadly  then  they  fell. 
Speak  gently  to  the  erring : 

Oh !  do  not  thou  forget. 
However  darkly  stained  by  sin. 

He  is  thy  brother  yet : 

Heir  of  the  self-same  heritage, 

Child  of  the  self-same  God, 
He  hath  but  stumbled  in  the  path 

Thou  hast  in  weakness  trod. 
Speak  gently  to  the  erring ; 

For  is  it  not  enough 
That  innocence  and  peace  have  gone. 

Without  thy  censure  rough? 

It  sure  must  be  a  weary  lot 
That  sin-crushed  heart  to  bear ; 

And  they  that  share  a  happier  fate 
Their  chidings  well  may  spare. 


THE  GOOD  LIFE.  147 

Speak  kindly  to  the  erring : 

Thou  yet  mayst  lead  them  back, 

With  holy  words  and  tones  of  love, 
From  Misery's  thorny  track. 

Forget  not  thou  hast  often  sinned, 

And  sinful  yet  must  be. 
Deal  gently  with  the  erring  one 

As  God  hath  dealt  with  thee. 
Speak  gently :  'tis  a  little  thing 

Dropped  in  the  heart's  deep  well : 
The  good,  the  joy,  that  it  may  bring. 

Eternity  shall  tell. 


^  XXVII. 

DON'T  FRET. 

HAS  a  neighbor  injured  you? 
Don't  fret ; 
You  will  yet  come  off  the  best ; 
He's  the  most  to  answer  for : 
Never  mind  it,  let  it  rest ; 

Don't  fret. 

Has  a  wicked  lie  been  told  ? 

Don't  fret : 
It  will  run  itself  to  death 
If  you  let  it  quite  alone ; 
It  will  die  for  want  of  breath : 

Don't  fret. 


148  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION, 

Are  your  enemies  at  work  ? 

Don't  fret : 
They  can't  injure  you  a  whit. 
If  they  find  you  heed  them  not, 
They  will  soon  be  glad  to  quit. 

Don't  fret. 

Is  adversity  your  lot  ? 

Don't  fret. 
Fortune's  wheel  keeps  turning  round 
Every  spoke  will  reach  the  top, 
Which,  like  you,  is  going  down. 

Don't  ft-et. 


XSVIII.  ' 

LET  IT  PASS. 

BE  not  swift  to  take  ofience : 
Let  it  pass. 
Anger  is  a  foe  to  sense : 

Let  it  pass. 
Brood  not  darkly  o'er  a  wrong 
Which  will  disappear  ere  long ; 
Rather  sing  this  cheery  song,  — 

"  Let  it  pass ;  let  it  pass." 

Strife  corrodes  the  purest  mind : 

Let  it  pass. 
As  the  unregarded  wind 

Let  it  pass. 


THE  GOOD  LIFE.  149 

Any  vulgar  souls  that  live 
May  condemn  without  reprieve : 
'Tis  the  noble  who  forgive. 

Let  it  pass ;  let  it  pass. 

Echo  not  an  angry  word  : 

Let  it  pass. 
Think  how  often  you  have  erred : 

Let  it  pass. 
Since  our  day^  must  pass  away 
Like  the  dew-drops  on  the  spray, 
Wherefore  should  our  sorrow  stay  ? 

Let  it  pass ;  let  it  pass. 

If  for  good  you've  taken  ill, 

Let  it  pass. 
Oh !  be  kind  and  gentle  still : 

Let  it  pass. 
Time  at  last  makes  all  things  straight : 
Let  us  not  resent,  but  wait. 
And  our  triumphs  shall  be  great. 

Let  it  pass ;  let  it  pass. 

Bid  your  anger  to  depart : 

Let  it  pass. 
Lay  these  homely  words  to  heart,  — 

"  Let  it  pass." 
Follow  not  the  giddy  throng  ; 
Better  to  be  wronged  than  wrong  : 
Therefore  sing  the  cheery  song,  — 

"  Let  it  pass ;  let  it  pass." 


150  A   GUILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION, 

XXIX. 
LEND  A  HAND. 

LEND  a  hand  to  one  another 
In  the  daily  toil  of  life : 
"When  we  meet  a  weaker  brother, 

Let  us  help  him  in  the  strife. 
There  is  none  so  rich  bu^may, 

In  his  turn,  be  forced  to  borrow ; 
And  the  poor  man's  lot  to-day 
May  become  our  own  to-morrow. 

Lend  a  hand  to  one  another. 

When  malicious  tongues  have  thrown 
Dark  suspicion  on  your  brother. 

Be  not  prompt  to  cast  a  stone. 
There  is  none  so  good  but  may 

Run  adrift  on  shame  and  sorrow ;  * 
And  the  good  man  of  to-day 

May  become  the  bad  to-morrow. 

Lend  a  hand  to  one  another.^ 

In  the  race  for  Honor's  crown, 
Should  it  fall  upon  your  brother. 

Let  not  envy  tear  it  down. 
Lend  a  hand  to  all,  we  pray, 

In  their  sunshine  or  their  sorrow; 
And  the  prize  they've  won  to-day 

May  become  our  own  to-morrow. 

A.  J.  Davis's  ManuaL 


TUE  GOOD  LIFE.  151 

XXX. 

CATCH  THE  SUNSHINE. 

CATCH  the  sunshine,  though  it  flickers 
Through  a  dark  and  dismal  cloud  ; 
Though  it  falls  so  faint  and  feeble 
On  a  heart  with  sorrow  bowed. 
Catch  it  quickly ;  it  is  passing,  — 

Passing  rapidly  away : 
It  has  only  come  to  tell  you 
There  is  yet  a  brighter  day. 

Catch  the  sunshine,  though  Life's  tempest " 

May  unfurl  its  chilling  blast ; 
Catch  the  little  hopeful  stranger; 

Storms  will  not  forever  last. 
Don't  give  up,  and  say,  "  Forsaken  ; " 

Don't  begin  to  say,  "  I'm  sad." 
Look !  there  comes  a  gleam  of  sunshine : 

Catch  it !    Oh,  it  se^s  so  glad ! 

Catch  the  sunshine !    Don't  be  grieving 

O'er  that  darksome  billow  there  : 
Life's  a  sea  of  stormy  billows ; 

We  must  meet  them  everywhere. 
Pass  right  through  them  ;  do  not  tarry; 

Overcome  tlie  heaving  tide  : 
There's  a  sparkling  gleam  of  sunshine 

Waiting  on  the  other  side. 


152         A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

Catch  the  sunshine,  catch  it  gl.adly, 

Messenger  in  Hope's  employ ; 
Sent  through  clouds,  through  storms  and  billows, 

Bringing  you  a  ray  of  joy. 
Don't  be  sighing,  don't  be  weeping ; 

Life,  you  know,  is  but  a  span  : 
There's  no  time  to  sigh  or  sorrow  ; 

Catch  the  sunshine  when  you  can. 

A.  J.  Davis's  Manual 


XXXL. 

THE  FOUNTAIN. 

INTO  the  sunshine ; 
Full  of  the  light ; 
Leaping  and  flashing 
From  morn  till  night ; 

Into  the  moonlight, 
Whiter  than  snow ; 

Waving  so  flower-like 
When  the  wmds  blow ; 

Into  the  starlight 
Rushing  in  spray ; 

Happy  at  midnight, 
Happy  by  day; 

Ever  in  motion, 

Blithesome  and  cheery ; 
Still  climbing  heavenward, 

Never  aweary  ; 


THE  GOOD  LIFE.  153 

Glad  of  all  weaiiiers, 

Still  seeming  best ; 
Upward  or  downwai'd, 

Motion  thy  rest ; 

Full  of  a  nature 

Nothing  can  tame ; 
Changed  every  moment, 

Ever  the  same ; 

Ceaseless  aspiring, 

Ceaseless  content ; 
Darkness  or  sunshine, 

Thy  element,  — 

Glorious  fountain  I 

Let  my  heart  be 
Fresh,  changeful,  constant, 

Upward,  like  thee  I 

J.  R.  LoweO. 


XXXII. 
TOUR    MISSION. 

IF  you  cannot  on  the  ocean 
Sail  among  tlie  swiftest  fleet. 
Rocking  on  the  mighty  billows, 

Laughing  at  the  storms  you  meet, 
You  can  stand  among  tlie  sailors 
Anchored  yet  within  the  bay ; 
You  can  lend  a  hand  to  help  them 
As  they  launch  their  boats  away. 


154         A  CniLD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

If  you  are  too  weak  to  journey 

Up  the  mountain  steep  and  high, 
You  can  stand  within  the  valley 

As  the  multitudes  go  by ; 
You  can  chant  in  happy  measure 

As  they  slowly  pass  along : 
Though  they  may  forget  the  singer, 

They  will  not  forget  the  song. 

If  you  cannot  in  the  conflict 

Prove  yourself  a  warrior  true ; 
If,  where  fire  and  smoke  are  thickest, 

There's  no  work  for  you  to  do,  — 
Where  the  battle-field  is  silent, 

You  can  go  with  gentle  tread ; 
You  can  bear  away  the  wounded  ; 

You  can  cover  up  the  dead. 

If  you  cannot  in  the  harvest 

Garner  up  the  richest  sheaves. 
Many  a  grain  both  ripe  and  golden. 

Which  the  careless  reaper  leaves, 
You  can  glean  among  the  briers 

Growing  rank  against  the  wall ; 
And  it  may  be  that  the  shadows 

Hide  the  heaviest  wheat  of  all. 

If  you  have  not  gold  and  silver 
Ever  ready  at  command  ; 

If  you  cannot  toward  the  needy 
Reach  an  ever-open  hand,  — 


THE  GOOD  LIFE.  165 

Ton  can  visit  the  afflicted  ; 

O'er  the  erring  you  can  weep  ; 
You  can  be  a  true  disciple 

Sitting  at  the  Saviour's  feet. 

Do  not,  then,  stand  idly  waiting 

For  some  nobler  work  to  do  * 

For  your  heavenly  Father's  glory, 

Ever  earnest,  ever  true. 
Go  and  toil  in  any  vineyard  ; 

Work  in  patience  and  in  prayer  : 
If  you  want  a  field  of  labor. 

You  can  find  it  anywhere. 


XXXIII. 

CHARITY. 


WHEN  you  meet  with  one  suspected 
Of  some  secret  deed  of  shame. 
And  for  this  by  all  rejected 

As  a  thing  of  evil  fame. 
Guard  thine  every  look  and  action  ; 

Speak  no  word  of  heartless  blame ; 
For  the  slander's  vile  detraction 
Yet  may  soil  thy  goodly  name. 

When  you  meet  with  one  pursuing 

Ways  the  lost  have  wandered  in. 
Working  out  his  own  undoing 

With  his  recklessness  and  sin  ; 
Think,  if  placed  in  his  condition, 

Would  a  kind  word  be  in  vain  ? 
Or  a  look  of  cold  suspicion 

Win  thee  back  to  truth  again  ? 


156  A   GUILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

There  are  spots  that  bear  no  flowers, - 
Not  because  the  soil  is  bad  ; 

But  the  summer's  genial  showers 
Never  make  tho.ir  bosoms  glad. 

Better  have  an  act  that's  kindly 
"^        Treated  sometimes  with  disdain, 

Than,  by  judging  others  blindly, 
Doom  the  innocent  to  pain. 


XXXIV. 

LIFE'S    WORK. 


ALL  around  us,  fair  with  flowers, 
Fields  of  beauty  sleeping  lie  ; 
All  ai'ound  us  clarion-voices 
Call  to  duty  stern  and  high. 

Thankfully  we  will  rejoice  in 
All  the  beauty  God  has  given ; 

But  beware  it  does  not  win  us 

From  the  work  ordained  of  Heaven. 

Following  every  voice  of  mercy. 
With  a  trusting,  loving  heart, 

Let  us,  in  Life's  earnest  labor, 
Still  be  sure  to  do  our  part. 

Now,  to-day,  and  not  to-morrow. 
Let  us  work  with  all  our  might. 

Lest  the  wretched  faint  and  perish 
In  the  coming  stormy  night. 


THE  GOOD  LIFE.  157 

Now,  to-day,  and  not  to-morrow, 

Lest  before  to-morrow's  sun 
We  too,  mournfully  departing. 

Shall  have  left  our  work  undone. 


XXXV. 

A    PARABLE. 


WORN  and  footsore  was  the  prophet 
When  he  gained  the  holy  hill : 
"  God  has  left  the  earth,"  he  murmured ; 
"  Here  his  presence  lingers  still ! 

"  God  of  all  the  olden  prophets, 

Wilt  thou  speak  with  men  no  more  ? 

Have  I  not  as  truly  served  thee 
As  thy  chosen  ones  of  yore  ? 

"  Hear  me,  Guidpr  of  ray  fathers ; 

Lo !  a  humble  heart  is  mine  : 
By  thy  mercy,  I  beseech  thee. 

Grant  thy  servant  but  a  sign  1 " 

Bowing  then  his  head,  he  listened 

For  an  answer  to  his  prayer: 
No  loud  burst  of  thunder  followed. 

Not  a  murmur  stiiTcd  the  air ; 

But  the  tuft  of  moss  before  him 

Opened  while  he  waited  yet, 
And  from  out  the  rock's  hard  bosom 

Sprang  a  tender  violet. 


158  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

"  God,  I  thank  thee ! "  said  the  prophet : 
"  Hard  of  heart  and  blind  was  I, 

Looking  to  the  holy  mountain 
For  the  gift  of  prophecy. 

"  Still  thou  speakest  with  thy  children 

Freely  as  in  eld  sublime  : 
Humbleness  and  love  and  patience 

Still  give  empire  over  time. 

"  Had  I  trusted  in  my  nature, 

And  had  faith  in  holy  things, 
Thou  thyself  wouldst  then  have  sought  me, 

And  set  free  my  spirit's  wings. 

"  But  I  looked  for  signs  and  wonders 
That  o'er  men  should  give  me  sway  : 

Thirsting  to  be  more  than  mortal, 
I  was  even  less  than  clay. 

"Ere  I  entered  on  my  journey, 

As  I  girt  my  loins  to  start, 
Ran  to  me  my  little  daughter, 

The  beloved  of  my  heart. 

"  In  her  hand  she  held  a  flower, 

Like  to  this  as  like  may  be. 
Which,  beside  my  very  threshold, 

She  had  plucked,  and  brought  to  me." 

J.  R.  Lowell 


THE  GOOD  LIFE.  IGD 


XXXVI. 


ABOU   BEN   ADHEM   (may  his  tribe   in- 
crease !) 
Awoke  one  night  from  a  deep  dream  of  peace, 
And  saw  within  the  moonlight  in  his  room, 
Making  it  rich  and  Hke  a  lily  in  bloom. 
An  angel  writing  in  a  book  of  gold. 
Exceeding  peace  had  made  Ben  Adhem  bold  ; 
And  to  the  Presence  in  the  room  he  said, 
"  What  writest  thou  ? "    The  vision  raised   its 

head. 
And,  with  a  look  made  of  all  sweet  accord, 
Answered,   "  The  names  of  those  who  love  the 

Lord." 
"  And  is  mine  one  ?  "  said  Abou.     "  Nay,  not  so," 
Replied  the  angel.    Abou  spake  more  low. 
But  cheerly  still,  and  said,  "I  pray  thee,  then, 
Write  me  as  one  that  loves  his  fellow-men." 
The  angel  wrote,  and  vanished.  .  The  next  night 
It  came  again,  with  a  great  wakening  light. 
And  showed  the  names  whom  love  of  God  had 

blest ; 
And,  lo !  Ben  Adhcm's  name  led  all  the  rest. 

Ltii/h  lIuiU. 


160  A  GUILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

XXXVII. 

IF  WE  KNEW. 

IF  we  knew  the  woe  and  heartache 
Waiting  for  us  down  the  road  ; 
If  our  lips  could  taste  the  wormwood  ; 

If  our  backs  could  feel  the  load,  — 
Would  we  waste  the  day  in  wishing 

For  a  time  that  ne'er  can  be  ? 
Would  we  wait  in  such  impatience 
For  our  ships  to  come  from  sea  ? 

If  we  knew  the  baby-fingers 

Pressed  against  the  window-pane 
Would  be  cold  and  stiff  to-morrow, — 

Never  trouble  us  again,  — 
Would  the  bright  eyes  of  our  darling 

Catch  the  frown  upon  our  brow  ? 
Would  the  print  of  rosy  fingers 

Vex  us  then  as  they  do  now  ? 

Ah !  these  little  ice-cold  fingers, 

How  they  point  our  memories  back 
To  the  hasty  words  and  actions 

Strewn  along  our  backward  track  I 
How  those  little  hands  remind  us, 

As  in  snowy  grace  they  lie, 
Not  to  scatter  thorns,  but  roses, 

For  our  reaping  by  and  by  1 


TEE  GOOD  LIFE.  161 

Strntige  we  never  prize  the  music 

Till  the  sweet-voiced  bird  has  flown ! 
Strange  that  we  should  slight  the  violets 

Till  the  lovely  flowers  arc  gone ! 
Strange  that  summer  skies  and  sunshine 

Never  seem  one-half  so  fair 
As  when  winter's  snowy  pinions 

Shake  their  white  down  in  the  air ! 

Lips  from  which  the  seal  of  silence 

None  but  God  can  roll  away 
Never  blossomed  in  such  beauty 

As  adorns  the  mouth  to-day ; 
And  sweet  words  that  freight  our  memory 

With  their  beautiful  perftime 
Come  to  us  in  sweeter  accents 

Through  the  portals  of  the  tomb. 

Let  us  gather  up  the  sunbeams 

Lying  all  around  our  path  ; 
Let  us  keep  the  wheat  and  roses,  - 

Casting  out  the  thorns  and  chafl"; 
Let  us  lind  our  sweetest  comfort 

In  the  blessings  of  to-day, 
With  a  patient  hand  removing 

All  the  briers  from  our  way. 


XXXVIIL 

OVER  AND   OVER  AGAIN. 

OVER  and  over  again. 
No  matter  which  way  I  turn, 
I  always  find  in  the  book  of  life 
Some  lesson  I  have  to  learn. 
u 


162  A   CniLD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

I  must  take  my  turn  at  the  mill ; 

I  must  grind  out  the  golden  grain  ; 
I  must  work  at  my  task  with  a  resolute  will, 

Over  and  over  again. 

We  cannot  measure  the  need  . 

Of  even  the  tiniest  flower, 
Nor  check  the  flow  of  the  golden  sands 

That  run  through  a  single  hour  : 
But  the  morning  dews  must  fall ; 

And  the  sun  and  the  summer  rain 
Must  do  their  part,  and  perform  it  all 

Over  and  over  again. 

Over  and  over  again 

The  brook  through  the  meadow  flows  ; 
And  over  and  over  again 

The  ponderous  mill-wheel  goes : 
Once  doing  will  not  suffice. 

Though  doing  be  not  in  vain  ; 
And  a  blessing,  failing  us  once  or  twice, 

May  come  if  we  try  again. 

The  path  that  has  once  been  trod 

Is  never  so  rough  to  the  feet ; 
And  the  lesson  we  once  have  learned 

Is  never  so  hard  to  repeat. 
Though  sorrowful  tears  may  fall. 

And  the  heart  to  its  depth  be  driven 
With  storm  and  tempest,  we  need  them  all 

To  render  us  meet  for  heaven. 


THE  GOOD  LIFE.  IC^ 

XXXIX. 

THE  LITTLE  BELL  IN  THE  HEART. 

MY  heart  keeps  knocking  all  the  day  ! 
What  does  it  mean  ?  what  would  it  say  ? 
My  heart  keeps  knocking  all  the  night ! 
Child,  hast  thou  thought  of  that  aright? 
So  long  it  has  knocked,  now  loud,  now  low : 
Hast  thou  thought  what  it  means  by  knocking  so  ? 

My  child,  'tis  a  lively  little  bell, 

The  dear  God's  gift  who  loves  thee  well : 

On  the  door  of  the  soul  by  him  'tis  hung, 

And  by  his  hand  it  still  is  rung ; 

And  he  stands  without,  and  waits  to  see 

Whether  within  he  will  welcome  be  ; 

And  still  keeps  knocking,  in  hopes  to  win 

The  welcome  answer,  "  Come  in,  come  in  I " 

So  knocks  thy  he.nrt  now  day  by  day ; 

And  when  its  strokes  have  died  away, 

And  all  its  knockings  on  earth  are  o'er, 

It  will  knock  itself  at  heaven's  door, 

And  stand  without,  and  wait  to  see 

Whetlier  within  it  will  welcome  be, 

And  to  hear  Him  say,  "  Come,  dearest  guest, 

I  found  in  thy  bosom  a  lioly  rest : 

As  thou  Imst  done,  be  it  done  to  thee ; 

Come  into  the  joys  of  eternity  !  " 

Tranilattd  from  the  GermoM, 


164  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION 

XL. 

THE  CHILD'S  WAY  TO  HEAVEN. 

i6  /^^H !  I  am  weary  of  earth,"  said  the  child, 

v^     As  he  looked  with  a  tearful  eye 
On  the   snow-white   dove   that  he   held  in  hia 

hand ; 
"For  whatever  I  love  will  die." 

Then  the  child  came  out  of  his  little  bower ; 
And  he  came,  and  looked  abroad ; 
And  he  said,  "  I  am  going,  tliis  very  hour,  — 
I  am  going  to  heaven  and  God." 

There  was  shining  light  where  the  sun  had  set, 
And  it  seemed  as  if  earth  and  heaven  met. 
All  round  in  the  distant  blue, 
And  red  and  purple  too, 

As  the  child  looked  oiit  on  the  far,  far  west, 
He  saw  a  golden  door, 
Where  the  burning  sun  had  gone  to  his  rest 
But  a  little  while  before. 

There  was  one  bright  spot  on  the  cloud's  dark 

face, 
As  if  it  hjd  been  riven. 
Said  the  child,  "I  will  go  to  that  very  place; 
For  it  must  be  the  gate  of  heaven  I " 


THE  GOOD  LIFE.  165 

Then  the  child  set  out  to  follow  the  sun : 
But  the  heavens  would  not  stay ; 
For,  ever  the  faster  he  tried  to  run, 
They  seemed  to  go  farther  away. 

And  the  evening  shades  fell  heavily, 
With  night-dews  cold  and  damp ; 
While  each  little  star  in  the  dark-blue  sky 
Lit  up  its  silvery  lamp. 

A  light  wind  wafted  .the  fleecy  clouds; 
.   And  it  seemed  to  the  child  that  tliey 
Were  travelling  on  to  the  west,  while  the  stars 
Were  going  the  other  way. 

So  the  child  called  out,  as  he  saw  them  stray. 
By  the  evening  breezes  driven, 
"  Little  stars,  you  are  wandering  out  of  the  way: 
That  is  not  the  way  to  heaven." 

Then  he  wandered  on  through  the  rough,  waste 

lands 
Where  the  tangled  briers  meet, 
Till  tlie  prickles  scratched  his  dimpled  hands, 
And  wounded  his  little  feet. 

He  could  not  see  before  him  well, 
And  the  night  grew  dark  and  cold  : 
And  at  last  he  cried  ;  for  he  could  not  tell 
His  way  on  the  open  wold. 


166  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

Then  the  child  knelt  down  on  the  damp,  green 

sod, 
And  he  said  his  evening  prayer; 
And  he  fell  asleep  as  he  thought  of  God, 
Who  was  listening  to  him  there. 

A  long,  long  sleep ;  for*they  found  him  there 
When  the  sun  went  down  next  day ; 
And  he  looked  like  an  angel,  pale  and  fair ; 
But  his  cheek  was  as  cold  as  clay. 

The  sunbeams  glanced  on -the  drops  of  dew 

That  lay  on  his  ringlets  briglat. 

Glistening  in  every  varied  hue 

Like  a  coronet  of  light. 

From  the  German. 


XLI. 
A  MOTHER'S  LOVE. 


HAST  thou  sounded  the  depths  of  yonder  sea? 
Hast  thou  counted  the  sands  tl>at  under  it 
be? 
Hast  thou  measured  the  height  of  heaven  above  ? 
Then  mayest  thou  sjjeak  of  a  mother's  love. 

Hast  thou  talked  with  the  blessed  of  leading  on 
To  the  throne  of  God  some  wandering  son  ? 
Hast  thou  witnessed  the  angels'  bright  employ? 
Then  mayest  thou  speak  of  a  mother's  joy. 


THE  GOOD  LIFE.  167 

Hast  thou  gone  with  the  traveller,  near  or  far, 
From  pole  to  pole,  from  star  to  star  ? 
Thou  hast ;  and,  on  earth  or  river  or  sea, 
The  heart  of  a  mother  has  gone  with  thee. 

There  is  not  a  grand  inspiring  thought, 
There  is  not  a  truth  by  wisdom  taught, 
There  is  not  a  feeling  pure  and  high. 
That  may  not  be  read  in  a  mother's  eye. 


XLII. 

THE  SIMPLE  LIFE. 


BLOWS  not  a  blossom  on  the  breast  of  spring, 
Breaks  not  a  gale  along  the  bending  mead, 
Trills  not  a  songster  of  the  soaring  wing. 
But  fragance,  health,  and  melody  succeed. 

Oh !  let  me  still  with  simple  Nature  live, 

My  lowly  field-flowers  on  her  altar  lay, 
Enjoy  the  blessings  that  she  meant  to  give, 

And  calmly  spend  my  inoffensive  day. 

% 
Nor  seldom  lingering  .as  I  muse  along, 

Mark  from  what  flower  the  breeze  its  sweetness 
bore, 
Or  listen  to  the  labor-soothing  song 

Of  bees  that  range  the  sunny  uplands  o'er. 

Firm  be  my  heart  to  Nature  and  to  Truth, 
Nor  vainly  wander  from  their  dictates  sage: 

So  joy  shall  sit  upon  the  brows  of  youth. 
So  hope  shall  soothe  the  lonely  path  of  age. 

John  Langhome. 


1G8  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 


XLIII. 
THE  KINGDOM  OF  GOD. 

I  SAY  to  thee,  Do  thou  repeat 
To  the  first  man  thou  mayest  meet 
In  lane,  highway,  or  open  street. 

That  he  and  we,  and  all  men,  move 

Under  a  canopy  of  love 

As  broad  as  the  blue  sky  above ; 

That  doubt  and  trouble,  fear  and  pain 
And  anguish,  all  are  shadows  vain ; 
That  death  itself  shall  not  remain ; 

That  weary  deserts  we  may  tread ; 
A  dreary  labyrinth  may  thread ; 
Through  pathways  underground  be  led. 

Yet,  if  we  will  one  Guide  obey, 
The  dreariest  path,  the  darkest  way, 
Shall  issue  out  in  heavenly  day ; 

And  we,  on  divers  shores  now  cast, 
Shall  meet,  our  perilous  voyage  past, 
All  in  our  Father's  house  at  last. 

And,  ere  thou  leave  him,  say  thou  this,  - 
Yet  one  word  more :  they  only  miss 
The  winninor  of  that  fatal  bliss 


THE  GOOD  LIFE.  169 

Who  will  not  count  it  true,  that  love, 
Blessing,  not  cursing,  rules  above, 
And  that  in  it  we  live  and  move. 

And  one  thing  further  make  him  know, — 
That  to  believe  these  things  are  so, 
This  firm  faith  never  to  forego. 

Despite  of  all  which  seems  at  strife 
With  blessing,  all  with  curses  rife ; 
That  this  is  blessing,  this  is  life. 

Trench. 


XLIV. 

FOLLOW    ME. 


VOYAGER  on  Life's  troubled  sea, 
Sailing  to  eternity, 
Turn  from  earthly  things  away : 
Vain  they  are,  and  brief  their  stay, 
Chaining  down  to  earth  the  heart ; 
Nothing  lasting  they  impart. 
Voyager,  what  are  they  to  thee  ? 
Leave  them  all,  and  follow  me. 

Traveller  on  the  road  of  Life, 
Seeking  pleasure,  finding  strife, 
Know  the  world  c:m  never  give 
Au<;ht  on  which  the  soul  can  live. 


170  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

Grasp  not  riches,  seek  not  fame,  . 
Shining  dnst,  and  sounding  name  : 
Traveller,  what  are  they  to  thee  ? 
Leave  them  all,  and  follow  me. 

Wanderer  from  thy  Father's  throne. 
Hasten  back,  thine  errings  own  ; 
Turn,  thy  path  leads  not  to  heaven  ; 
Turn,  thy  sins  will  be  forgiven ; 
Turn,  and  let  thy  songs  of  praise 
Mingle  with  angelic  lays. 
Wanderer,  here  is  bliss  for  thee  : 
Leave  them  all  to  follow  me. 


Anon, 


XLY. 
THE   BUILDERS. 

ALL  are  architects  of  Fate, 
Working  in  these  walls  of  Time ; 
Some  with  massive  deeds  and  great, 
Some  Avith  ornaments  of  rhyme. 

Nothing  usel^s  is,  or  low ; 

Each  thing  in  its  place  is  best ; 
And  what  seems  but  idle  show 

Strengthens  and  supports  the  rest. 

For  the  structure  that  we  raise. 
Time  is  with  materials  filled  : 

Our  to-days  and  yesterdays 

Are  the  blocks  with  which  we  build. 


THE  GOOD  LIFE.  171 

Truly  shape  and  fashion  these ; 

Leave  no  yawning  gaps  between  : 
Think  not,  because  no  man  sees, 

Such  things  will  remain  unseen. 

In  the  elder  days  of  Art, 

Builders  wrought  with  greatest  care 
Each  n:iinute  and  unseen  part; 

For  the  Gods  see  everywhere.     ^  * 

Let  us  do  our  work  as  well,  — 

Both  the  unseen  and  the  seen ; 
Make  the  house  where  God  may  dwell 

Beautiful,  entire,  and  clean  ; 

Else  our  lives  are  incomplete. 

Standing  in  these  walls  of  Time, — 

Broken  stairways,  where  the  feet 
Stumble  as  they  seek  to  climb. 

Build  to-day,  then,  strong  and  sure,         , 

With  a  firm  and  ample  base ; 
And  ascending  and  secure 

Shall  to-morrow  find  its  place. 

Thus  alone  can  nvc  attain 

To  those  turrets,  where  the  eye 

Sees  the  world  as  one  vast  plain. 
And  one  boundless  reach  of  sky. 

IJtnrij   W.  Loniifilloto, 


172  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

XLVI. 

APRIL-FOOLS. 

HE  who  moumeth  day  by  day 
That  his  youth  doth  pass  away 
Like  the  blossoms  on  the  tree, 
Sure  an  April-fool  must  be  ! 
For  the  blossoms  lade  and  die 
That  the  tree  may  fruit  supply : 
So,  youth  fled,  we  e'er  should  find 
Fruitful  wisdom  left  behind. 

He  who  lives  to  garner  gold, 
Selling  what  should  ne'er  be  sold, 
Bartering  peace  for  dress,  —  why,  he 
Sure  an  April-fool  must  be  ! 
Many  who  have  naourned  his  end 
Will  rejoice  that  they  may  spend  ; 
For  the  ingots  he  may  save 
None  will  bury  in  his  grave. 

,     He  who  spurns  the  horny  hand 
Throwing  loom  or  tilling  land, 
Treating  labor  scornfully,  — 
Sure  an  April-fool  is  he  ! 
Were  the  loom  of  toil  bereft. 
Spider  would  weave  warp  and  weft. 
Earth  and  labor  are  allied  : 
Thriftless  groom  makes  thriftless  bride. 

He  who  thinks  that  time  hath  done 
All  for  which  time  was  begun. 
Nor  its  onward  course  dotli  see, 
Sure  an  April-fool  must  be  I 


THE  GOOD  LIFE.  173 

Night  but  slowly  melts  away  ; 
Daylight  cometh  ray  by  ray : 
Time  must  work  Creation's  plan, 
And  man  be  victor  over  man. 


XLVII. 

HAPPINESS. 


C CHILDREN,  would  you  here  obtain 
J     Pleasure  unalloyed  with  pain, 
Joy  that  suits  your  little  sphere, 
Gentle  children,  lend  an  ear. 

Learn  to  relish  calm  delight, 
Verdant  vales,  and  fountains  bright, 
Trees  that  nod  on  distant  hills. 
Caves  that  echo  tinkling  rills. 

If  you  can  no  charm  disclose 

In  the  simplest  bud  that  blows, 

You  will  ne'er  the  joys  explore 

Of  the  larger  world  before.  ^ 

See  !  to  sweeten  your  repose, 
Blossom  buds,  and  fountain  Hows  ; 
See  !  that  you  may  hnpj)y  live. 
Flowers  and  fruits  their  richness  give. 

Seek  no  more:  the  rest  is  vain, — 
Pleasure  ending  soon  in  pain  ; 
Pleasure  that  soon  glides  away  : 

Seek  no  more,  but  with  mo  stay. 

ShenMtone* 


174         A   CniLD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

XLVIII. 
THE  HOLY  SPIRIT. 

OUR  blest  Redeemer,  ere  lie  breathed 
His  tender  last  farewell^ 
A  Guide,  a  Comforter,  bequeathed, 
With  us  to  dwell. 

H&  came  in  tongues  of  living  flame 

To  teach,  convince,  subdue  : 
All  powei-ful  as  the  wind  he  came, 
As  viewless  too. 

He  came  sweet  influence  to  impart ; 

A  gracious,  willing  guest 
While  he  can  find  one  humble  heart 
Wherein  to  rest. 

And  his  that  gentle  voice  we  hear, 

Soft  as  the  breath  of  even, 
^hat  checks  each  fault,  that  calms  each  fear, 
And  speaks  of  heaven. 

And  every  virtue  we  possess, 

And  every  victory  won. 
And  every  thought  of  holiness, 
Are  his  alone. 

Spirit  of  Purity  and  Grace, 

Our  weakness  ])itying  see  : 
Oh !  make  our  hearts  thy  dwelling-place. 
And  worthier  thee ! 


PART  III. 
TRUTH. 


Talk  between  the  Teacher  and  the  Child. 

GOD.  • 

"Who  made  the  things  that  you  see? 

God.  He  made  the  sun,  the  moon,  the  stars, 
the  rivers,  the  rocks,  and  green  grass,  the  trees 
and  flowers.     He  made  also  every  living  creature. 

Did  God  n^ake  these  things  with  his  hands  as 
a  man  makes  a  watch  or  a  pen-knife? 

No :  he  made  the  light,  the  air,  the  elements, 
and  the  powers  by  which  all  things  came  into  form. 
Who  created  'you  ? 

God. 

Did  the  same  God  create  your  father  and 
mother? 

He  did. 

Did  he  also  create  your  grandfather  and  your 
grandmother,  and  all  who  ever  lived  ? 

He  created  :Ul  who  have  lived  on  the  earth. 

176 


176  A   CniLD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

Did  he  create  you  as  a  man  carves  an  image  f 

No:  he  made  the  substance  from  which  we  were 
made,  and  the  laws  by  which  it  came  into  form. 

Can  you  see  God? 

Not  with  our  eyes ;  for  he  has  no  body. 

How,  tJien,  can  you  see  him,  if  not  with  your 
eyes  ? 

God  is  seen  with  the  eye  of  the  heart. 

"What  do  you  mean  by  the  eye  of  the  heart  ? 

Tlie  eye  of  the  heart  is  purity.  Jesus  said, 
"Blessed  are  the  pure  in  heart;  for  they  shall  see 
God." 

Who  are  the  pure  in  heart  ? 

They  that  are  not  vain  nor  proud  nor  selfish  ; 
the  modest  and  the  simple ;  they  who  do  not 
think  of  themselves,  but  who  love  some  others 
more  than  themselves,  and  goodness  more  than 
all. 

What  is  God  ? 

God  is  spirit :  so  Jesus  said.       • 
What  do  you  mean  by  saying  that  God  is 
spirit  ? 

We  mean  that  he  is  wisdom  and  love.  The  be- 
loved disciple,  who  tells  us  that  God  is  sjjirit,  says 
also,  "God  is  light;""  "God  is  love." 

Do  you  know  God,  then,  when  you  are  wise  and 
loving  ? 

We  know  God  when  we  love  wisdom  and  good- 
ness. 

And  when  do  you  love  God? 

When  we  love  to  be  true  and  just  and  kind. 


TRUTU.  177 

To  know  God  and  to  love  God  are  the  same 
thing. 

Can  you  he  true  and  just  and  kind  to  God? 

No ;  but  we  can  be  to  his  children.  John  the 
evangelist  said,  "  He  that  loveth  not  his  brother 
whom  he  has  seen  cannot  love  God  whom  he  has 
not  seen. 

Then  you  love  God  when  you  love  your  felloW' 
beings,  any  of  your  fdlow-beings  in  particular? 

No:  when  we  love  all;  because  they  are  his 
children  as  we  are. 

Does  God  love  all  his  children  alike  ?  Does 
he  love  the  foolish  as  icell  as  the  wise,  the  mean 
as  well  as  the  generous,  the  false  as  well  as  the 
true,  the  cruel  as  well  as  the  kind,  the  bad  as  well 
as  the  good? 

Yes :  he  loves  one  as  well  as  the  other ;  but  he 
does  not  love  all  with  the  same  kind  of  love. 

What  do  you  mean  by  that  ? 

We  mean  that  he  loves  the  good  because  he  ap- 
proves of  them ;  and  he  loves  the  bad  because  he 
pities  them.  He  loves  the  good  because  they 
are  good  :  he  loves  the  bad  in  order  that  he  may 
make  them  good. 

What  story  did  Jesus  tell  about  that  ? 

The  story  of  the  Prodigal  Son. 

(The  story  may  be  read,  and  made  the  subject  of  a  lesson  or 

lessens. ) 

When  are  you  near  to  God? 
We  are  always  near  him. 

12 


178  A    CniLD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

He  is  always  near  you;  hut  are  you  always 
near  to  him  ? 

When  do  you  feel  near  to  him  f 

When,  in  loving-kindn,ess,  we  feel  near  to  his 
children. 

How  does  he  seem,  to  you  at  such  times  f 

He  seems  to  us  like  a  tender  Father  and 
Mother. 

Where  is  God? 

God  dwells  in  the  heart  of  all  creatures. 

Hoes  God  see  you  ? 

The  Supreme  Spirit  dwells  in  our  bosom,  and 
is  a  Avitness  of  all  our  goodness  and  our  wicked- 
ness. The  sinful  say  in  their  hearts,  "  None  see 
us ; "  but  the  spirit  within  their  breast  sees  them. 

Hoio  does  God  see  you  ? 

The  heart  is  its  own  witness  and  judge.  When 
we  have  shut  our  doors,  and  darkened  our  win- 
dows, we  are  not  alone:  God  is  within.  And 
he  has  no  need  of  liglit  to  see  what  we  are  doing. 
Can  the  sun  illumine  so  great  a  portion  of  the 
universe  ?  and  cannot  He  who  made  and  moves 
the  sun  perceive  all  things  ? 

How  can  you  he  with  God^ 

If  we  love  God,  we  shall  always  be  with  him. 
If  we  love  God,  wherever  we  are,  people  shall 
think  they  walk  in  hallowed  cathedrals. 

How  does  God  make  himself  known  to  men  f 

In  the  world  of  beauty  and  use  which  he  has 
made. 


TRUTH.  179 

Is  there  any  better  way  than  that  f 

Yes :  in  oar  own  wonderful  bodies,  with  their 
senses  and  organs,  and  all  their  powers.        , 

Is  there  any  other  way  still? 

Yes :  in  our  minds  and  hearts. 

JBut  is  there  not  yet  a  fourth  way,  more  noble 
and  beautiful  than  either  f 

There  is.  The  noblest  and  best  men  and  women 
show  more  of  God  than  can  be  learned  from  the 
trees  or  the  flowers,  or  all  the  glory  of  the  heav- 
ens; more  than  the  body  teaches,  or  the  mind. 
They  are  the  most  perfect  images  of  God  on  the 
earth. 

And  who  was  the  greatest  of  these  ? 

The  greatest  of  these  was  Jesus. 

Why  was  he  the  greatest? 

Because  he  loved  most.  He  that  loveth  is 
bom  of  God,  and  knoweth  God.  He  that  loveth 
not,  knoweth  not  God  ;  for  God  is  love. 


180  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 


THE   SPIRIT. 

LET  us  talk  together  now  about  spirit,  —  the 
Holy  Spirit,  as  it  is  called,  the  Spirit  of  God. 
I  will  ask,  and  you  will  answer.  The  answers  you 
will  give  are  written  down  for  you,  and  are  not 
your  own  ;  but  you  can  make  them  your  own  by 
thinking  of  them  seriously  as  you  say  them. 

Will  you  tdl  me  then,  children,  what  the  %Dord 
" spirit "  tneans? 

It  means  quick  air,  or  living  breath. 
"What,  then,  is  GocVs  Spirit  ? 

It  is  the  breathing  of  God  on  the  hearts  of  his 
children. 

Do  you  think  that  God  breathes  on  the  hearts 
of  his  children  as  you  breathe  on  your  chilly 
hands  to  warm  them,  or  on  a  frosty  xoindow-pane 
to  make  it  cover  itself  over  with  ice-flowers  ? 

No :  we  mean  only  that  nothing  gives  us  so 
good  an  idea  of  his  Spirit,  and  of  the  way  it  moves, 
as  the  air  that  we  breathe  jn  and  out. 

Will  you  tell  me  why  f 

Because  it  is  so  gentle,  yet  so  swift  and  strong. 
It  is  everywhere,  and  we  cannot  see  it :  it  is  in 
all  bodies,  and  it  gives  life  to  all  bodies ;  yet  it 
cannot  be  caught.  It  bears  up  the  globe  we  live 
on ;  yet  it  cannot  be  felt.  We  know  not  hoW  it 
comes  and  goes,  nor  do  we  know  where  it  comea 
from,  and  whither  it  is  always  going. 


TRUTU.  181 

What  did  Jesus  say  about  the  Spirit  of  God? 

"  The  wind  bloweth  where  it  listcth ;  and  thou 
hearest  the  sound  thereof,  but  canst  not  tell 
whence  it  coraeth,  nor  whither  it  goeth:  so  is 
every  man  that  is  born  of  the  Spint." 
-  Has  the  Spirit  of  God  always  been  working  in 
the  hearts  of  his  children? 

It  has.  As  soon  as  there  was  a  man  or  a 
woman  or  a  little  child  able  to  feel  it,  there  it 
was  waiting  to  be  felt  in  the  heart. 

Has  it  been  given  alike  to  all  nations  f 

Yes.  Just  as  the  air  wraps  the  whole  world 
about,  and  has,  from  the  beginning,  been  breathed 
in  by  all  people  on  the  surface  of  the  globe ;  so 
this  Spirit-air  has  bathed  the  hearts  of  men  and 
women  all  over  the  earth,  and  no  souls  could  ever 
have  lived  without  it. 

Is  it  given  to  all  men  and  women,  whoever  they 
mag  be?  Is  it  given  to  the  simple  as  well  as  to 
the  learned,  to  the  foolish  as  well  as  to  the  wise, 
to  the  vicious  as  well  as  to  the  virtuous,  to  tlie 
wicked  as  well  as  to  the  good? 

Yes:  it  is  given  to  all  alike,  just  as  the  air  of 
heaven  is.  Bad  men  may  breathe  it  as  well  as 
good  men,  if  they  will. 

Whg,  then,  are  not  all  men  and  women  goad? 

Because  they  will  not  take  into  their  liearts  this 
heavenly  air. 

Hut  why  will  they  not?  Is  it  not  with  them? 
Does  it  hot  touch  tlieni  ?  Does  it  not  flow  about 
tliem  / 


182  A    CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  liELIGION. 

Ob,  yes !  but  tbey  do  not  tbink  of  it ;  nor  do 
tbey  know  bow  good  it  would  be  for  tbem. 

T/iei/  are  bad,  then,  because  their  hearts  are 
narrow  and  close  and  foul  with  hates  and  un- 
clean wishes  f    Is  that  xolial  you  mean  ? 

Yes :  tbey  are  soul-sick,  precisely  as  people  are 
sick  in  body  wbo  breatbe  foul  air  in  dark,  low 
cbambers.  If  tbey  would  open  tbe  windows, 
tbey  would  be  glad. 

'What  does  GocCs  Spirit  do  for  his  children? 

It  makes  tbem  active,  cbeerful,  and  fresb ;  it 
brigbtens  tbe  mind ;  it  warms  tbe  beart  witb  tbe 
love  of  wbat  is  pure,  sweet,  and  kind  ;  it  inspires 
feelings  of  gratitude  and  trust,  and  stirs  tbe  long- 
ing to  be  perfect. 

Can  you  tell  me  lohat  the  worJcing  of  it  is  like  ? 

It  is  like  tbe  first  warm  day  in  spring,  or  a 
perfect  summer  morning,  wben  tbe  sunsbine  and 
tbe  sweet  air,  and  tbe  voice  of  tbe  birds,  and  tbe 
odors  from  tbe  ground,  and  the  fragrance  of  tbe 
flowers,  fill  us  full  of  deligbt ;  wben  tbe  beavens 
and  tbe  eartb  brim  over  witb  gladness,  and  our 
bosoms  seem  too  small  to  bold  all  tbe  love  and 
joy  tbat  crowd  into  tbem. 

Does  the  Holy  jSjnrit  do  as  much  for  one  as  it 
do*s  for  another? 

It  would  do  as  mucb  if  it  could.  But  tbe  violet 
cannot  take  as  mucb  sunsbine  and  dew  as  tlie  lily, 
nor  tbe  lily  as  the  rose-bush,  nor  tbe  rose-bush 
as  the  maple-tree.     So  God's  children  cannot  all 


TRUTH.  183 

breathe  in  tlie  same  amount  of  his  Spiiit ;  but  all 
can  take  as  much  as  they  need. 

Tliere  are  many  different  gifts  of  the  Spirit, 
then? 

Yes :  80  we  are  taught  in  the  Scripture.  To 
one  it  gives  tenderness,  to  another  strength ;  to 
some  gentleness,  to  othere  courage ;  to  some  quiet- 
ness, to  others  activity ;  to  some  lowliness,  to  oth- 
ers beroisnf;  to  one  it  gives  wisdom,  to  another 
simplicity,  fo  another  patience,  to  another  meek- 
ness ;  to  one  it  gives  the  power  to  avoid  tempta 
tion,  to  another  the  power  to  resist  it. 

There  are^  then,  as  many  gifts  as  there  are 
graces  ? 

There  are;  but  all  good  gifts  are  from  the 
Spirit,  which  makes  our  hearts  bear  flowers  and 
fruits  as  the  sun  and  rain  make  the  earth  bring 
forth  grasses  and  corn. 

What  do  we  say  of  people  who  have  breathed 
in  a  great  deal  of  this  Holy  Spirit  ? 

We  say  that  they  are  inspired. 

Can  you  mention  the  names  of  any  inspired 
persons  f 

Moses,  who  gave  the  Ten  Commandments; 
David,  who  sung  the  songs  whicli  we  call  Psalms ; 
Jesus,  who  preached  the  Sermon  on  the  Mount; 
Paul,  who  wrote  the  sweet  chapters  al)out  char- 
ity ;  John,  who  said,  "God  is  love,"  and,  when  ho 
was  too  old  and  weak  to  utter  any  thing  more,  said, 
•*  Little  children,  love  one  another." 

That  will  do;  but  tell  me,  did  none  receive 


184  4    CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

the  Holy  Spirit  hut  those  you  read  of  in  the 
Bible  f 

Oh,  yes !  Many  others  have  received  it.  Many 
receive  it  now.  Many  living  men  and  women 
among  oui'selvcs  are  full  of  it. 

How  do  you  know  that  they  are  f 

By  their  love  for  what  is  true,  just,  and  good ; 
by  their  own  great  truth,  justice,  and  goodness ; 
and  by  their  living  to  help  the  'erring,  the 
suffering,  the  wronged,  and  the  wicked. 

Does  the  Holy  Spirit  come  to  little  children  f 

Yes :  just  as  the  air  comes  to  daisies  and  cro- 
cuses ;  and  it  makes  them  sweet  and  loving  as 
little  children. 

What  can  you  do  to  make  the  Spirit  come  to 
your  hearts,  and  work  there  ? 

We  can  be  simple,  truthful,  and  obedient ;  we 
can  be  diligent  and  faithful;  we  can  love  our 
])arcnts,  our  brothers  and  sisters,  our  schoolmates 
and  companions;  we  can  forbear  to  injure  any; 
we  can  forgive  those  who  have  injured  us;  and, 
while  we  live,  we  can  tiy  to  do  good  in  the 
little  world  we  live  in. 


TRUTH.  185 


JESUS  THE  TEACHER. 

WE  will  make  Jesus  the  subject  of  our  lesson 
to-day ;  and  as  all  that  we  know  about 
Jesus  is  written  in  the  four  Gospels,  which  most  of 
you  have  read,  I  shall  ask  you  questions,  and  you 
will  give  me  a  nswers.     And,  first,  — 

Ixcant  you  to  tell  ine  who  Jesus  was. 

He  was  a  great  teacher  and  saint,  who  lived 
nearly  two  thousand  yean?  ago  in  what  is  now 
called  the  Holy  Land.  He  was  the  son  of  lowly 
parents;  but  so  wise,  that  he  was  called  the  Child 
of  the  Spirit;  and  so  good,  that  men  took  him  to 
be  an  an<»el  from  heaven.  Millions  worship  him 
now  as  if  he  was  God  himself. 

Was  he  God?  . 

No :  we  believe  that  he  was  a  man  as  other 
men  are.  He  was  poor,  he  had  few  friends,  he 
had  much  pain  and  sorrow,  he  was  often  lonely 
and  troubled  and  tempted ;  but  he  was  so  pure 
and  lovely,  so  much  sweeter  and  holier  than  any 
God  they  worshipped  or  knew  of,  that  men  said 
he  was  not  a  man,  he  could  not  be  a  man ;  aud 
they  worshipped  him. 

Can  you  ttll  me  how  Jesus  came  to  be  so  great 
in  goodness  as  he  was  ? 

We  cannot.     We  cannot  tell  how  we  ourselves 


186  A    CHILD'S  BO.OK  OF  RELIGION. 

came  to  be  what  we  are ;  ranch  less  can  we  tell  how 
a  wonderful  person  like  Jesus  came  to  be  Avhat  ho 
was.  But  liis  heart  was  simple  and  pure ;  and 
tlie  Holy  Spirit  can  do  any  thing  with  a  perfectly 
pure  heart. 

You  said  that  Jesus,  was  a  great  teacher. 
What  things  did  he  teach  about  f 

He  taught  about  God  and  providence,  the  good 
life,  and  the  happiness  of  heaven. 

Can  you  tell  me  what  Jesus  taught  about  Godf 

He  tauglit  that  God  was  a  Father  who  loves  all 
men  as  his  children,  and  wishes  to  make  them  all 
happy.  He  causes  his  sun  to  rise  on  the  evil  and 
the  good,  and  sends  his  rain  on  the  just  and  the 
unjust. 

What  did  Jesus  teach  about  providence  ? 

He  taught  that  God's  care  is  over  every  thing ; 
that  nothing  is  neglected  or  forgotten ;  that  not 
a  sparrow  falls  to  the  ground  unnoticed,  and  not  a 
flower  dies  before  its  hour. 

What  did  he  teach  about  men  and  women  ? 

He  taught  that  they  are  God's  children,  made  in 
the  image  of  the  heavenly  Father;  and  that  they 
should  try  and  be  as  much  like  him  as  they  could. 

What  did  Jesus  teach  about  little  children  f 

Jesus  loved  little  children  :  he  took  them  in  his 
arms,  and  blessed  them.  He  said  that  people 
must  become  like  little  children  if  they  wished 
to  enter  into  his  kingdom.  He  said,  too,  that  the 
guarclian  angels  of  little  children  were  nearest  to 
God  in  the  world  of  spirits,  and  could  always 
look  on  his  face. 


TRUTH.  187 

WJiat  did  Jesus  teach  about  happiness  ? 
He  taught  that  happiness  did  not  consist  in  fine 
clothes,  or  in  delicate  things  to  eat  and  drink,  but 
in' goodness. 

Where  does  he  teach  this  ? 
He  teaches  it  in  the  Beatitudes,  or  the  prom- 
ises of  bliss. 

Will  you  recite  the  Beatitudes  ? 
Wluit  did  Jesus  teach  about  heaven  f 
He  taught  that  it  is  within  us ;  a  state  of  mind 
caused  by  love.     Every  sweet  and  pure  heart,  he 
said,  was  already  in  heaven.     We  are  in  heaven 
when  we  are  good. 

But  did  he  not  teach  that  heaven  is  a  jylace,  as 
well  as  a  state  of  mind  ? 

Yes:  he  said  that  we  were  to  make  a  heaven 
about  us,  on  the  earth,^  by  loving  our  fellow- 
creatures. 

What  did  Jesus  say  was  the  Jirst  thing  in 
religion  ? 

Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy 
heart  and  soul  and  strength  and  mind. 
What  did  he  say  was  the  second  thing  f 
Thou  shalt  love  thy  neiglibor  as  thyself. 
And  how,  according  to  Jesus,  was  one  to  show 
his  love  of  God? 

By  loving  his  neighbor. 
What  did  Jesus  mean  by  neighbor? 
He  meant  anybody  who  needs  us,  or  is  needed 
by  us. 

Can  you  tell  the  story  in  which  lie  says  thisf 
It  is  the  story  of  the  Good  S.vMARiT42f. 


188         A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  JiELIGIOJf. 


JESUS   THE    SAINT. 

Tbu  said  t/iat  Jesus  was  a  great  saint.  What 
is  a  saint? 

A  saint  is  one  who  gives  up  his  own  will,  and 
lives  to  do  the  will  of  his  heavenly  Father. 

JIow  did  Jesus  show  that  he  loas  a  saint  ? 

By  his  meekness,  his  patience,  his  submission, 
his  willingness  to  do  what  he  ought  instead  of 
what  he  liked  ;  by  his  forgetfulness  of  himself 
when  others  needed  his  help ;  by  his  sweetness 
when  he  was  abused ;  by  his  silence  when  he  was 
insulted. 

Can  you  give  me  an  example  of  the  saintUness 
of  Jesus  f 

His  silence  before  Pilate,  when  the  Roman 
governor  tried  to  terrify  him  by  his  power. 

Can  you  give  another  f 

His  patience  when  the  soldiers  ]")ut  the  reed 
into  his  hand,  and  the  crown  of  thorns  on  his 
head ;  when  they  struck  him  with  their  hard  fists, 
and  spit  upon  him. 

Can  you  give  a  third  example  ? 

His  forgiving  the  men  Avho  nailed  him  to  the 
cross,  and  the  cruel  people  who  mocked  him, 
making  sport  of  his  sufferings.  Then  he  said, 
"  Father,  forgive  them :  they  know  not  what  they 
do!" 


TRUTH.  189 

Can  you  remember  yet  one  more? 

His  prayer  in  the  Garden  of  Gethsemane : 
"  Father,  not  my  will,  but  thine,  be  done." 

Was  Jesus  ever  tempted  to  do  wrong  ? 

Yes :  he  was  tempted  to  use  his  power  for  un- 
worthy ends,  —  to  make  himself  rich  and  great 
and  famous. 

What  did  he  do  when  he  was  tempted? 

He  put  the  temptation  by  as  an  evil  thing,  and 
did  what  he  knew  was  right. 

How  did  Jesus  spend  his  life  f 

In  doing  good  to  his  fellow-men,  healing  the 
sick,  teaching  the  simple,  comforting  the  sad,  and 
making  the  wicked  feel  that  they  should  be  and 
could  be  good. 

Can  we  become  like  Jesus  f 

We  cannot  become  equal  to  him ;  but  we  can 
be  like  him.  We  cannot  do  what  he  did,  nor 
lead  the  kind  of  life  that  he  did  ;  but  we  can  have 
the  same  spirit  that  he  had. 

Wliat  do  you  msan  by  having  the  same 
sjnrit  ? 

We  mean  the  same  wishes  and  purposes.  He 
was  patient,  gentle,  merciful :  we  can  be  so  too. 
He  lived  to  do  all  the  good  he  could :  we  can  do 
the  same.  He  thought  all  the  time  how  he  might 
do  God's  will:  we  may  think  how  we  can  do  it 
also. 

Win  his  having  done  it  make  your  doing  it 
easier  f 

Yes,  a  great  deal  easier.    As  often  as  we  think 


190     .     A    CniLD'S  BOOK  OF  liELIGION. 

of  him,  we  become  stronger.  When  we  are 
tempted,  the  story  of  his  victory  makes  us  brave ; 
wlien  we  are  sad,  the  story  of  his  cheerfuhiesa 
makes  us  l>right ;  when  wo  are  cold-hearted,  the 
story  of  his  love  makes  us  Avarm ;  when  we  do 
wrong,  the  story  of  his  goodness  makes  us  ashamed 
and  penitent. 

What  do  you  mean  by  calling  Jesus  your 
Saviour ? 

We  mean  that  the  thought  of  his  great  love- 
liness makes  us  wish  to  be  lovely,  pure,  and 
sweet,  and  so  saves  us  from  being  foolish  and 
wicked. 

Should  you  not,  then,  be  grateful  for  Jesus  ? 

Oh,  yes!  more  than  for  anybody  else,  except 
our  father  and  mother :  sometimes  even  more 
than  for  them  ;  for  he  teaches  us  to  love  what  is 
right;  he  makes  it  seem  noble  to  love  our  fellow- 
beings,  and  he  makes  it  seem  best  of  all  to  love 
God. 

What  rule  for  a  perfect  life  did  Jesus  give? 

The  Golden  Rule. 

Will  you  recite  to  me  the  Golden  Mule  ? 

Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbor  as  thyself.  It 
tells  us  to  return  good  for  evil. 

Is  there  a  Silver  Mule  f  and  what  is  it  ? 

The  Silver  Rule  bids  us  return  good  for  good. 

Is  there  an  Iron  Mule  ?  and  what  is  it  f 

The  Iron  Rule  bids  us  return  evil  for  evil. 

Is  there  a  Brazen  Mule  ?  and  what  is  it? 

The  Brazen  Rule  bids  us  return  evil  for  good. 


TRUTH.  191 

What  does  Jesus  say  about  the  Golden  Bide  ? 

He  says  that  they  who  obey  it  do  all  that  can 
be  asked  of  them,  even  by  God  himself. 

Can  little  children  obey  this  rule  ? 

Yes '^ just  as  well  as  men  and  women,  or  as  an- 
gels, can.  They  can  return  good  for  evil ;  they 
can  bless  those  that  curse  them ;  they  can  pray 
for  those  that  abuse  them  ;  they  can  be  kind  to 
those  that  hate  them. 

Then  little  children  may  be  perfect  Christians  f 

Certainly :  all  that  render  good  for  evil  are  per- 
fect Christians. 


192  A  CniLD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

WORSHIP. 
CHILDEEIf   QUESTION   TEACHER. 

Will  you  tell  us  what  worship  is  ? 

Worship  is  worth-ship ;  which  means  the  pos- 
session of  worth,  and  also  the  service  paid  to 
worth.  All  service  paid  to  worth  is  worship. 
Worship  is  paid  to  God  as  the  worthiest  Being. 

Is  all  service  paid  to  God,  worship  ? 

Yes.  Worship  is  of  many  kinds.  Thankful- 
ness is  worship ;  praise  is  worship ;  the  wish  to 
be  good  is  worship ;  working  for  God  is  worship ; 
doing  his  will  is  worship  ;  prayer  is  worship. 

Does  God  need  our  worship  ? 

Not  for  himself  God  needs  nothing  that  we 
can  do  for  him  or  give  him. 

Does  our  worship  make  him  happier  ? 

Only  as  it  makes  us  happier  and  better.  Our 
joy  is  his  joy.  Should  not  you  think  that  the 
Father  of  the  world  would  be  happier  when  his 
children  are  joyous  than  when  they  are  not? 

Yes.  But  is  worship  a  joyful  thing  ?  We 
thought  it  was  gloomy  and  painful. 

Worship  is  the  most  joyful  thing  there  is.  It 
is  like  the  smiling  of  the  earth  in  the  sunshine. 
It  is  like  the  fragrance  of  the  flowers,  and  the 
ripe  fruit  of  the  trees.  Worship  is  the  voice  that 
tells  God  how  glad  it  makes  us  to  think  of  him ; 


TRUTH  193 

how  gi'ateful  we  are  for  his  goodness,  and  how 
much  we  wish  to  be  like  him. 

Is  worship  a  duty  ? 

Yes :  worship  is  a  duty.  It  is  a  duty  to  thank 
those  who  do  us  kindness,  to  think  often  of  the 
high  and  beautiful,  and  to  imitate  the  best. 


WJiat  is  the  use ^of  worship  ? 

I  will  answer  your  question  by  asking  another. 
What  is  the  use  of  going  out  into  the  sunshine, 
or  drinking  in  the  sweet  summer  air,  or  looking 
upon  a  landscape  from  the  hill-top?  What  is  the 
use  of  reading  beautiful  poetry,  or  looking  at  fine 
pictures?  What  is  the  use  of  telling  mamma 
that  you  love  her,  or  thanking  papa  for  his 
New-Year  presents?  of  wishing  you  were  like 
some  George  Washington,  or  Florence  Nightin- 
gale ?  of  praising  and  caressing  some  one  older 
than  yourself  who  seems  to  you  perfection  ?  All 
these  acts  help  you  to  be  more  than  you  are ;  and 
worship  does  the  same. 

But^  if  we  should  not  fed  like  worship,  ought 
we,  then,  to  go  through  the  form  of  it  f 

If  you  never  worship  except  when  you  feel  like 
it,  you  may  never  worship  at  all.  We  may  learn 
to  feel  like  it  by  trying;  and  one  way  of  learning 
to  feel  like  it  is  to  do  it.  By  doing  kind  actions 
because  they  arc  right  and  proper,  you  may  get 
the  kind  feelings  that  belong  to  them ;  by  think- 

13 


,194  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

ing  of  goodness  shown  to  you,  and  expressing 
thanks  for  it,  you  may  really  feel  the  gratitude 
you  speak.  It  is  the  same  with  worship.  If  you 
do  not  feel  the  goodness  and  love  of  God,  you  can 
think  of  them  till  you  do ;  and  by  and  by  the 
feeling  of  joy  and  gratitude  will  come. 


People  worship  in  church.  Is  it  our  duty  to 
go  to  church? 

I  think  it  is,  —  even  when  you  would  rather 
not ;  when  you  have  something  pleasanter  to  do ; 
when  it  is  tiresome,  and  you  cannot  understand 
the  minister's  sermon.  You  should  form  the 
habit  of  going  to  church.  If  you  do  not  see  the 
use  of  it  now,  you  will  presently,  when  you  are 
older. 

JDut,  if  it  does  us  no  good,  ought  we  to  go  f 

You  must  make  it  do  you  good  ;  and,  after  all, 
it  may  be  doing  you  more  good  than  "you  think. 
It  will  do  you  good  to  be  patient  and  still  there  ; 
to  sit  quietly  and  listen,  and  take  in  as  much  as 
you  can. 

But  does  God  care  'Whether  I  go  to  church,  or 
not? 

God  cares  whether  you  are  a  docile,  patient, 
teachable  child,  or  not.  God  likes  to  have  you 
love  him,  and  think  of  him ;  and,  if  going  to 
meeting  helps  you  to  do  this,  he  cares  whether  or 
not  you  go  to  meeting. 


TRUTH.         ,  195 

But  you  must  never  forget  what  an  old  sage 
said,  that,  "in  worslup,  the  presence  of  the  mind 
will  make  amends  for  the  absence  of  the  body ; 
but  the  presence  of  the  body  will  never  make 
amends  for  the  absence  of  the  mind." 

Is  going  to  meeting  doing  service  to  God  ? 

Not  alone,  or  of  itself;  but  it  may  help  us  to 
do  service  to  God  by  making  us  think  of  him. 


196  A   GUILD'S  BOOK  OF  BELIGION. 

PRAYER. 
CHIX.DREN   QUESTION   TEACHER. 

We  would  hnoio  something  about  prayer. 
Will  you  tell  us  what  prayer  is  ? 

Prayer  is  asking  or  begging  for  what  we  want. 
All  asking  is  prayer.  When  you  ask  father  or 
mother  for  any  thing,  you  pray  for  it.  When 
you  pray  to  God,  you  ask  him  for  what  you 
want,  and  what  he  only  can  give. 

Should  we  ask  God  for  every  thing  we  want  ? 

No  ;  for  many  things  are  given  to  you  by  your 
parents,  —  such  as  food,  clothing,  ornaments. 
Some  things  you  make,  earn,  or  buy ;  and  some 
things,  like  health,  strength,  beauty,  are  given  you, 
and  are  kept  by  your  own  care.  You  need  not 
pray  for  tliese  things,  for  God  has  given  them  to 
you  already;  or,  if  he  has  not  given  them  to  you, 
it  is  not  his  fault  that  you  do  not  have  them. 

What,  then,  should  we  pray  God  for,  if  toe 
may  not  ash  him  for  meat  or  clothes  or  toys  or 
dresses  ? 

You  must  ask  God  for  what  God  alone  can 
give,  —  such  things  as  patience,  a  cheerful  temper, 
a  quiet  heart,  a  kind  and  forgiving  disposition. 

Will  he  give  us  these  if  we  ash  for  them  ? 

He  certainly  will  if  you  ask  for  them  as  if  you 


TRUTH.  197 

really  wanted  them ;  but  you  must  ask  in  ear- 
nest. He  will  give  nothing  you  do  not  ask  for 
"with  all  your  heart. 


Must  we  ask  in  words  ? 

Oh,  no !  He  does  not  care  to  hear  you.  Your 
thought,  your  wish,  your  desire,  will  be  enough. 

J^ut  if  God  is  so  very  good,  mid  knoics  what 
we  want  as  well  as  we  do  before  we  tell  hirn^  why 
should  we  pray  to  him  at  all?  Why  does  he  not 
give  us  what  we  need  at  once  ? 

Because,  until  you  feel  yourself  that  you  want 
it,  until  you  have  a  strong  wish  to  have  it,  —  a 
wish  so  strong  that  you  cannot  hold  it  in,  —  the 
gift  would  do  you  no  good.  You  would  neither 
enjoy  it,  nor  take  it,  but  would  neglect  it,  or  throw 
it  away.  You  must  be  hungry  before  you  will 
eat. 

Jiut  God  does  give  a  great  many  things  to 
people  who  never  ask  him  for  them :  does  he 
not  / 

No.  He  gives  nothing  to  people  who  do  not 
wish  for  it ;  are  not  hungry  for  it. 

Hut  they  do  not  tell  him  they  toant  bread, 
clothes,  houses,  children,  or  a  thousand  things 
tliey  have. 

Perhaps  not  in  words;  but  they  do  in  actions, 
which  arc  stronger  than  words.  They  wor/;;  and 
to  work  is  to  pray  with  hands  and  head  and 


198  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

heart.  An  old  saying  has  it,  that  labor  is  prayer. 
And  so  it  is.  The  farmer  prays  for  crops;  the 
student  prays  for  knowledge;  the  merchant  prays 
for  money  :  their  whole  working-life  is  prayer. 
He  prays  best  who  prays,  not  with  his  lips,  but 
all  over,  —  with  body  and  mind. 


Does  God  really  answer  prayer  ? 

No  doubt  he  does.  The  crops  come ;  the 
knowledge  is  given  ;  the  wealth  is  granted.  He 
that  with  all  his  heart  prays  for  goodness  has 
goodness  given  to  him.  All  real  prayer  has  real 
answer. 

Which  does  God  value  most,  —  goodness,  or 
•  prayers  for  goodness  ? 

Goodness,  of  course.  There  is  an  old  saying, 
that  one  hour  of  justice  is  better  than  seventy 
years  of  prayer.  And  Mahomet  wrote,  that  he 
who  diligently  sows  the  ground  gains  a  greater 
stock  of  religioue  merit  than  he  could  gain  by 
ten  thousand  idle  petitions. 

Then  why  not  stop  23r(x,ying,  and  be  satisfied 
with  being  good  f 

Because  earnest  praying  is  one  way,  and  one 
of  the  best  ways,  of  becoming  good.  You  will 
never  become  good  unless  you  pray  to  become  so. 

Ought  we  to  say  our  prayers  night  and  morn- 
ing? 

If  you  can   say  a  little  prayer  of  your  own 


TRUTH.  199 

every  night  and  morning,  it  will  be  well.  No 
matter  how  short  and  simple  it  is,  if  it  is  your 
own. 

JBut  what  if  we  have  no  prayer  of  our  oxon  f 
You  will  have  one  if  you  think  a  moment  of 
God's  goodness  in  giving  you  the  sweet  sleep  of 
evening  and  the  new  day.  Think  of  God's  good- 
ness, and  of  what  you  ought  to  do  and  be  in  order 
to  please  him,  and  that  will  be  enough.  One  of 
our  greatest  men,  even  when  he  was  very  old, 
never  laia  his  head  on  his  pillow  without  saying 
over  the  childish  verse,  — 

"Now  I  lay  me  down  to  sleep, 

I  pray  the  Lord  my  soul  to  keep ; 

And  if,  perchance,  I  ne'er  should  wake, 

I  pray  the  Lord  my  soul  to  take." 

Why  did  the  old  man  say  such  a  very  little 
prayer  f 

Because  he  was  God's  little  child,  and  loved  to 
feel  80. 


200         A  CniLD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION: 


DUTIES  AND   VIRTUES. 

What  is  duty  ? 

Duty  is  \Yhat  is  due ;  what  we  owe  to  ourselves 
or  to  otliers. 

What  do  you  mean  by  duties  to  yourselves  ? 

Duties  to  ourselves  are  what  we  owe  to  our- 
selves as  human  beings,  —  to  our  bodies,  our 
minds,  and  our  hearts.  They  are  set  down  in 
"  The  Rules  for  the  Good  Life." 

Let  us  recite  a  few  of  those  rules. 

[Here  «  The  Rules  for  the  Good  Life  "  may  be 
repeated  either  in  alternate  verses  or  in  unison,  — 
as  many  sentences  at  one  time  as  the  superin- 
tendent may  choose.] 


What  is  the  first  duty  you  owe  to  yourselves  ? 

The  duty  of  self-respect,  —  to  guard  ourselves 
against  meanness,  baseness,  deceit,  impurity,  and 
every  thing  that  would  dishonor  us. 

What  is  the  second  duty  to  yourselves  ? 

Self-distrust,  —  to  beware  of  conceit,  pride, 
arrogance,  and  the  danger  of  making  ourselves 
appear  more  than  we  are. 

Name  another  great  duty. 

Teuthfulness. —  A  Greek  sage  said,  "There 
are  two  ways  to  perfect  virtue,  —  to  be  truthful, 


TRUTH.  201 

anrl  to  do  no  evil  to*any  creature."  And  it  is 
written,  "The  sacrifice  of  a  thousand  horses  has 
been  ]>ut  in  the  bahxnce  with  one  true  word  ;  and 
the  one  true  word  weighed  down  the  thousand 
horses." 

Mention  another  virtue. 

Modesty.  —  "  If  we  hear  that  one  has  spoken 
ill  of  us,  we  should  not  be  angry,  but  rather  say, 
'If  he  had  known  my  other  faults,  he  would  not 
have  mentioned  these.'"  We  should  not  speak 
much  of  our  actions  or  our  dangera ;  for,  how- 
ever interesting  they  may  be  to  us,  they  cannot 
be  so  interesting  to  othei-s. 

Give  me  yet  another  Jine  virtue. 

HuMiiJTY.  — "Lowliness  is  the  base  of  all  the 
virtues ;  and  he  that  goes  the  lowest  builds  the 
safest." 

"  They  also  serve  who  only  stand  and  wait." 

Can  you  name  still  another? 

CoxTENTMENT.  —  There  is  a  proverb,  "Better 
a  bare  foot  than  none."  And  another  proverb : 
•'  Better  a  dish  of  herbs  where  love  is  than  the 
richest  food  and  hatred  therewith." 

You  may  speak  of  one  more. 

Patience.  —  "We  should  have  patience  w^th 
all  things;  but  chiefly  we  should  have  patience 
with  ourselves,"  and  for  the  reason  that  God  is 
patient.  It  is  written  in  the  Koran,  "When  a 
good  deed  is  done,  the  Angel  of  Life  writes  it 
down  with  joy  ten  times.    When  an  evil  deed  b 


202  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

done,  the  Angel  of  Life  Says  to  the  Angel  of 
Death,  '  Wait  seven  hours  before  you  set  it 
down  :  the  man  may  repent,  and  ask  forgive- 
ness.' " 

Which  is  best,  —  seeming^  or  being  ? 

Being.  The  only  sure  way  to  pass  for  any 
thing  is  to  be  something.  "When  we  are  doing 
any  thing  that  we  feel  sure  ought  to  be  done,  we 
should  never  shrink  from  being  seen  to  do  it : 
for,  if  we  are  not  acting  rightly,  we  should  shun 
the  action ;  if  we  are,  why  should  we  fear  to  have 
men  know  it  ?  " 

A  great  teacher  said,  ^'■At  every  meal,  there  are 
two .  guests  to  be  fed,  —  a  body  and  a  mind.^* 
What  did  he  mean? 

He  meant  that  we  must  not  eat  so  much  that 
the  mind  is  made  stupid,  but  as  much  as  will 
keep  the  mind  bright. 

What  is  the  best  thing  to  have  ? 

"  A  liandful  of  good  life  is  worth  a  bushel  of 
learning." 

What  lasts  longest  ? 

"  Only  a  sweet  and  virtuous  soul, 

Like  seasoned  timber,  never  gives ; 
But,  though  the  whole  world  turn  to  coal, 
Then  chiefly  lives." 


Do  we  owe  any  thing  to  otJiers  ? 

Yes.    What  we  owe  to  ourselves,  we  o^  to 


TRUTH.  203 

our  neighbor.  What  we  owe  to  our  neighbor, 
weT  owe  to  the  whole  world. 

Should  we  treat  aU  people  alike  ? 

We  should  be  just  to  all,  whether  they  be  old 
or  young,  rich  or  poor,  pleasant  or  unpleasant, 
friends  or  enemies ;  for  God  is  just  to  all.  "  We 
should  try  to  see  our  neighbor's  case  with  his 
eyes,  and  our  own  case  with  our  neighbor's  eyes. 
We  should  remember  that  each  one  is  as  much 
to  himself  as  we  are  to  ourselves." 

How  should  we  treat  our  friends  ? 

"  We  should  live  with  our  friends  as  if  we 
would  keep  them  from  ever  being  our  enemies." 
"  It  is  better  to  be  forsaken  by  a  friend  than  to 
forsake  one." 

JIow  should  we  treat  our  enemies  ? 

"We  should  live  with  our  enemies  as  if  we 
would  compel  them  to  be  our  friends."  Jesus 
said,  "  Love  your  enemies  ;  bless  them  that  curse 
you ;  do  good  to  them  that  hate  you ;  and  pray 
for  them  that  abuse  and  persecute  you." 

Hoxjo  should  we  treat  the  foolish  ? 

*♦  We  should  not  be  angry  with  the  foolish ;  for 
they  suffer  more  than  the  wise  do,  and  the  wise 
have  joys  that  they  have  not." 

How  should  we  treat  the  wicked? 

Not  with  hate  or  scorn,  but  with  pity ;  not 
with  the  pity  that  looks  down  on  them,  but  with 
the  pity  tliat  helps  them  up. 

"When   our  companiou   is   doing  wrong,  wo 


204  A    CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

should  teach  hiiii  kindly,  and  show  him  his  mis- 
take. If  we  cannot  do  this,  we  should  bkime 
ourselves."  We  should  cherish  the  good  in  all 
people,  and  be  glad  when  we  find  it.  "Every 
one,  taken  at  his  best,  is  good  for  sometiiing." 


Which  does  most  good,  —  violence,  or  gentle- 
ness ? 

Gentleness.  Gentleness  is  always  and  every- 
where good.  Violence  is  sudden,  passionate,  and 
soon  passes  away.  It  is  a  duty  to  speak  gently 
to  all,  to  whatever  class  they  belong.  It  is  a 
good  rule  never  to  speak  when  we  are  in  a  passion, 
and  never  to  speak  to  one  who  is  in  a  passion. 

What  is  the  surest  way  to  grieve  our  ene- 
mies ? 

To  try  and  be  as  good  as  you  can. 

What  is  the  sure  way  to  win  love  f 

To  love  others.  "  Let  not  him  think  to  be 
loved  by  any  who  loves  none."  They  who  would 
be  well  spoken  of  must  learn  to  speak  well  of 
their  fellows. 

What  is  the  best  way  to  make  people  better  ? 

To  beHeve  that  they  can  be  made  better.  A 
poet  says,  "Men  would  be  better  if  we  better 
deemed  of  them :  the  worst  way  to  iraj^rove  the 
world  is  to  condemn  it." 

"  At  the  last  day  the  wicked  will  say  to  the 
good,  'O  ye  pure  ones!  it  is  because  you  did 


TRUTH  205 

not  teach  ns  that  we  are  shut  out  from  the  com- 
pany  of  the  blessed.' " 

What  is  charity  f 

"Every  good  act  is  charity;  giving  water  to 
the  thirsty  is  charity ;  putting  a  wanderer  in  the 
right  path  is  charity ;  removing  thorns  and  stones 
from  the  road  is  charity  ;  smiling  in  your  broth- 
er's face  is  charity.  Our  true  wealth  hereafter  is 
the  good  we  do  in  this  world.  When  one  dies, 
men  ask  what  property  he  left  behind  him  ;  but 
angels  ask  what  kind  deeds  he  sent  before." 


What  is  sin  f 

"  Angry  words  and  ^ cornful  looks  Jire  sins ;  to 
strike  another,  or  vex  him  with  words,  is  sin  ;  to 
wish  evil  to  any  is  a  sin  ;  proud  thoughts  are 
sins."    The  pride  of  goodness  is  itself  a  sin. 

What  is  t/ie  best  jiart  of  a  good  life  ? 

The  little  nameless,  unremembered  acts  of 
kindness  and  love.  "lie  who  has  not  caused  the 
least  fear  to  a  living  creature  will  have  nothing 
to  fear  when  he  has  left  his  body." 

What  is  the  best  guide  in  life  ?  .     . 

Virtue.     It  is  Milton  who  says, — 
"  Virtue  could  see  to  do  what  Virtue  would 

By  her  own  radiant  light,  though  sun  and  moon 

Were  in  the  flat  sea  sunk." 

What  is  a  good  rule  for  a  quiet  heart  ? 
*•  Never  to  blend  our  pleasure  or  our  pride 

With  sorrow  of  the  meanest  thing  that  lives.** 


20C  A  CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

Is  there  more  of  evil,  or  more  of  good,  in  the 
world  ? 

"There  is  some  soul  of  gooilness  in  things  evil, 
would  men  observingly  distil  it  out." 

"  Sin  is  small  and  mean  and  barren :  good  only 
is  great  and  generous  and  fruitful." 

"We   must  believe  the  best  of  every  thing; 
love  all  below,  and  worship  all  above." 
Which  is  strongest,  —  good,  or  evil  f 
"  Truth,  crushed  to  earth,  shall  rise  again  j 
The  eternal  years  of  God  are  liers : 
But  Error,  wounded,  writhes  in  pain, 
And  dies  amid  her  worshippers." 


Is  good,  or  evil,  nearest  us  ? 

"  A  man's  best  things  are  nearest  him  ; 
Lie  close  about  his  feet." 

"  The  charities  that  soothe  and  heal  and  bless 
Are  scattered  at  the  feet  of  man  like  flowers." 

7s  goodness  ever  weak  ? 
"How  far  that  little  candle  throws  his  beams ! 
So  shines  a  good  deed  in  a  naughty  world." 

"  Every  candle  fills  a  mile  with  its  ray." 

Does  evil  ever  escape  f 

Never.    Justice  has  feet  of  wool,  and  fingers 
of  iron. 

"  The  heavens  are  just,  and  of  our  pleasant  vices 
Make  instruments  to  scourge  us." 


TRUTH.  207 

la  any  thing  useless  f 

"  All  are  needed  by  each  one  : 
Nothing  is  fair  or  good  alone." 
Which  is  of  most  importance,  —  li/e,  or  death  ? 
Life :  for  "  life  is  a  thing  of  years ;  death  is  a 
thing  of  moments." 

What  is  the  tise  of  trouble  f 

"The  good  are  better  made  by  ill, 
As  odors  crushed  are  sweeter  still." 
difficulties  are  things  that  show  us  what  we 
are. 

Hovj  should  we  fed  when  we  fail  or  are  diS' 
appointed^ 

We  should  not  be  discouraged,  but  remember, 
that,  if  we  choose  the  best  life,  habit  will  make 
it  pleasant. 

JIow  shoidd  we  feel  wJien  others  fail  and  dis- 
appoint us  f 

.  We  should  not  feel  as  if  there  was  no  more 
goodness  in  the  world. 

*' Angels  are  bright  still,  though  the  brightest 
fell." 
Wliat  should  we  be  afraid  of? 
We  should  be  afraid  of  doing  wrong;  afraid 
of  missing  the  best  life;  afraid  of  being  less  than 
we  might  be. 

Shoidd  we  not  fear  the  day  of  judgment  ? 
We  should  try  to  live  so  that  we  shall  welcome 
it.     Every  day  is  a  day  of  judgment. 


208  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 


HEAVEN. 

What  is  heaven  f 

Heaven  is  first  a  temper,  and  then  a  place. 

What  Jcind  of  temper  ? 

A  temper  of  peace  and  good-will.  "Blessed 
are  the  pure  in  heart,"  said  Jesus,  "  for  theirs  is 
the  kingdom  of  heaven."  "  Love  is  heavei^  and 
heaven  is  love." 

£ut  is  not  hapjnness  heaven  ? 

Not  always.  Happiness,  when  it  comes  with 
duty,  gives  us  a  taste  of  heaven  ;  but,  if  it  does 
not  come,  we  may  be  still  in  heaven,  though  not 
in  the  light  of  joy.  Forsaking  duty,  we  find 
what  we  took  for  heaven  to  be-none. 

Jiut  may  one  he  in  heaven^  and  yet  be  un- 
hai^py  ? 

No :  all  who  are  in  heaven  must  be  happy ; 
but  they  must  be  happy  because  they  are  good. 

Then  the  good  are  always  in  heaven  ? 
"Ho  that  liath  light  within  his  own  clear  breast 
May  sit  in  midniglit,  and  enjoy  bright  day; 
But  he  that  hides  a  dark  soul  and  foul  thoughts 
Beniglited  walks  under  the  mid-day  sun." 

Where  is  heaven  ? 

Wherever  the  good  heart  is. 

And  is  not  heaven  a  place  ? 

The  good  heart  makes  its  own  place. 


TRUTH.  209 

Must  we  die  in  order  to  go  to  heaven? 

No.  Death  does  not  keep  us  away  from  heaven ; 
nor  does  death  take  us  there.  Heaven  comes  to 
us :  we  do  not  go  to  it.  A  great  many  people 
are  in  heaven  long  before  they  die.  And  only 
they  who  are  in  heaven  before  they  die  find 
themselves  there  afterward.  To  go  to  heaven, 
we  must  die  to  selfishness.     Love  is  heaven. 

Is  the  way  to  heaven  long  ? 

It  is  just  as  long  as  the  way  to  goodness.  It 
costs  more  to  do  ill  than  to  do  well. 

W/uzt  do  you  mean  by  the  angels  of  heaven  f 

Angels  are  ministers,  or  servants.  All  who  do 
us  good  are  angels  of  good  :  all  who  bring  heav- 
enly things  to  us  are  angels  of  heaven. 

Why  are  angels  always  painted  with  wings  ? 

Because  wings  mean  power  to  rise  above  the 
earth,  to  ascend  and  descend.  Winged  creatures 
mount  to  the  sky. 

Why  are  they  made  to  look  shadowy  ? 

Because  they  may  be  either  visible  to  the  eye, 
or  invisible.  They  may  have  bodies  like  ours,  or 
not. 

Are  angels  near  ^is  ichen  we  do  not  see  them  ? 

Yes :  the  poet  Milton  Says,  — 
"Millions  of  spiritual  creatures  walk  the  earth 
Unseen,  both  when   we   wake   and   when  wo 
S^eep." 

Whose  fault  is  it  that  angels  are  not  oftener  seen  ? 

Our  own.     We  do  not  choose  to  see  them. 

14 


210  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

"We  think  that  angels  should  always  have  wings, 
and  float  in  the  air ;  yet  the  people  about  us  may 
be  angels  to  us,  —  our  mothers,  our  sisters,  our 
friends. 

"  'Tis  only  when  they  spring  to  heaven  that  angels 
Reveal  themselves  to  us :  they  sit  all  day 
Beside  us,  and  lie  down  at  night  by  us, 
Who  care  not  for  their  presence,  muse  or  sleep ; 
And  all  at  once  they  leave  us,  and  we  know 
them." 


TRUTH.  211 


A  CHILD'S  CREED. 


I  BELIEVE  that  I  am  a  child  of  God,  my  heav- 
enly Esther,  who  created  nie,  who  preserves 
me,  who  loves  me  as  his  child. 

I  believe  that  Jesus  was  my  heavenly  Father's 
best-beloved  Son ;  and  that  I  sliall  be  well  beloved, 
as  he  was,  if  I  become  like  him, 

I  believe  that  God,  and  all  good  angels,  and  all 
good  men  and  women,  and  all  good  children,  are 
helping  me  all  the  time  to  lead  a  good  life. 

I  believe  that  my  faults  may  be  mended  ;  and 
thatmy8ins,if  I  rej)ent  of  them  heartily,  and  try  to 
be  good,  will  be  forgiven  and  forgotten. 

I  believe  that  I  cannot  be  happy  or  good  alone, 
but  only  as  others  are  happy  and  good. 

I  believe  that  we  make  a  heaven  in  our  homes 
by  our  kindness  and  love. 

I  believe  that  I  shall  not  die  when  my  body 
dies. 

I  believe  that  there  will  be  a  heaven  hereafter 
for  all  good  children. 

I  believe  that  all  children  may  at  last  become 
good,  and  m:iy  go  to  heaven,  to  be  liaj)py  in  God's 
love  forever. 


LEGENDS    OF    VIRTUE. 


THE   POWER  OF   TRUST. 

A  HOLY  painter  walked  up  and  down  his  studio, 
stopping  every  now  and  then  before  his  blank  can- 
vas, taking  up  his  brushes,  and  laying  them  down  again  to 
resume  his  walk.  He  was  meditating  the  subject  of  a 
picture,  and  earnestly  wishing  in  his  heart  that  Heaven 
would  give  him  one.  At  length,  in  the  still  morning,  a 
vision  came  biefore  him  of  the  Madonna,  fairer  than  imagi- 
nation could  have  pictured  her  ;  and  under  the  feet  of  the 
Madonna  was  the  head  of  Satan,  looking  as  hideous  as 
the  Virgin  was  heavenly.  The  artist  felt  that  this  was 
the  subject  given  him  to  paint.  He  took  up  his  pallet 
immediately,  mixed  his  colors  with  trembling  hand,  sat 
down  before  his  easel,  and  began  to  paint.  The  hours 
flew  by,  and  the  setting  sun  shone  on  him  as  he  bent 
lovingly  over  his  task.  At  night,  the  lovely  vision  stood 
before  him  in  his  dreams.  The  break  of  day  found  him 
in  his  studio  once  more,  impatient  for  the  sunrise,  that  he 
might  resume  his  sweet  labor.  Week  after  week  the 
work  went  on,  increasing  in  beauty  from  hour  to  hour. 
Faithful  in  every  feature,  line,  and  hue,  the  blessed  fi;^- 
212 


LEGENDS  OF  VIRTUE.  213 

ure  of  the  Virgin  came  out;  and  it  only  remained  to  add 
the  {iivi  last  touches  that  were  necessary  to  make  it  com- 
plete. One  day,  near  the  completion  of  his  labor,  he  felt 
a  chill  creeping  over  him,  and  was  aware  of  a  gloomy 
presence  in  the  room.  Looking  up  from  his  picture,  he 
saw  the  Adversary  standing  behind  him,  and  looking  ear 
nestly  over  his  shoulder  at  his  picture.  He  had  come  in 
to  beg  the  artist  not  to  paint  him  so  hideous  as  he  ap- 
peared in  the  vision,  but  to  transfer  to  his  dark  face  some 
of  the  sweet  expression  he  had  given  to  the  Virgin.  In 
return  for  this  favor,  Satan  promised  the  artist  any  thing 
he  would  ask  for  —  wealth,  fame,  honor,  the  praise  of  the 
world  —  if  he  would  take  but  a  line  of  grace,  but  a 
shade  of  loveliness,  but  a  gleam  of  light,  from  her  counte- 
nance, and  give  it  to  his.  In  reply,  the  pious  artist  seized 
his  pencil,  and,  in  a  moment  of  inspiration,  dashed  the 
Fiend's  portrait  with  a  more  frightful  e.xpression,  and 
touched  the  Virgin's  with  a  more  than  celestial  grace. 
The  Adversary  vanished  with  a  hateful  cry. 

The  next  day,  he  came  again,  but  this  time  in  another 
mood.  He  cursed  the  artist ;  he  threatened  ;  he  assured 
him,  that,  if  he  did  not  comply  with  his  wish,  he  would 
torment  him  piteously ;  he  would  make  him  poor;  he 
would  make  him  miserable;  he  would  cover  him  with 
ehame,  and  make  him  execrable  in  the  eyes  of  all  men. 
Again  the  artist  took  up  his  pencil ;  again  the  illumina- 
tion came  :  in  an  instant,  the  Fiend  was  more  hideous,  the 
Virgin  more  heavenly,  than  before.  In  a  black,  thick 
smoke,  the  Evil  One  vanished,  and  left  the  artist  alone. 

And  now  the  picture  is  finished  ;  it  is  set  up  in  the 
great  cathedral  :  the  whole  town  is  there  to  see  the  mas- 
ter-work, the  fame  wtereof  hail  gone  abroad  through  all 
the  region.  Silent  among  the  people  stands  the  artist, 
bumble,  and  trembling  with  cxcitemeat.     Suddenly  there 


214  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

is  a  great  noise,  as  of  wings :  all  faces  are  turned  upwards. 
It  is  the  Adversary,  who  comes  swooping  down  from  the 
vast  dome  above  their  heads.  He  bears  down  on  the 
artist,  seizes  him  by  the  hair  of  his  head,  bears  him  aloil 
to  the  very  height  of  the  ceiling,  holds  him  suspended 
there  an  instant,  and  then  lets  him  fall  through  the  dizzy 
distance  upon  the  marble  floor.  There  he  lies,  crushed, 
bleeding,  senseless.  But,  even  as  the  horror-stricken 
people  gaze  on  him,  the  Virgin  of  his  own  picture  reaches 
out  her  hand  from  the  canvas,  and,  by  a  touch,  lifts  him 
up  whole.     The  art  he  was  faithful  to  saved  him. 


TO  DO  GOD'S  WILL  IS  TO  BEHOLD  GOD'S  FACE. 

REPROBUS  was  by  race  a  Canaanite,  of  a  tribe  cele- 
brated for  strength  and  fierceness.  He  was  a  moun- 
taineer, huge  in  bulk,  immense  in  stature,  and  terrible  in 
look.  Tired  of  the  tame  life  he  led  among  the  hills,  and 
despising  the  shepherd  people  among  whom  he  lived,  he 
left  his  wilderness,  resolved  that  he  would  find  the  greatest 
prince  in  the  world,  and  take  service  under  him  as  a  sol- 
dier. The  most  famous  king  of  that  day  was  Maximus. 
Report  said  that  a  greater  than  he  did  not  reign  on  the 
earth.  To  him  Reprobus  went ;  and  Maximus,  beholding 
his  stature  and  strength,  gladly  took  him  into  his  service, 
made  him  one  of  his  select  body-guard,  and  kept  him 
always  at  court  near  his  person.  Many  times,  Maximus 
went  to  war  with  his  enemies ;  and,  whenever  he  went, 
Reprobus,  the  chief  of  his  body-guard,  gained  great  iame 


LEGENDS  OF  VIRTUE.  215 

by  his  deeds  of  valor.  He  was  the  envy  of  all  the  army, 
and  the  favorite  of  the  king.  His  nam-)  was  a  name  of 
terror  in  all  the  lands  round  about 

It  chanced  on  a  certain  day,  when  the  king  was  giving 
a  great  feast  in  honor  of  a  victory  which  had  cost  much 
bloodshed,  that  his  favorite  minstrel  recited  a  lay,  in  the 
course  of  which  the  Devil  was  often  mentioned ;  and  the 
king,  who  was  a  Christian,  made,  each  time  the  name  was 
spoken,  the  sign  of  the  cross  on  his  forehead.  Reprobus 
observed  this  with  surprise  ;  and,  when  the  feast  was  over, 
he  asked  the  king  why  he  made  that  sign,  and  what  it 
meant.  The  king,  at  first,  gave  no  answer ;  but  at  last, 
when  Reprobus  insisted,  and  threatened  to  leave  his  ser- 
vice if  he  refused,  he  told  him,  in  confidence,  that  the 
Devil,  whose  name  was  so  often  spoken,  was  his  enemy, 
and  the  sign  of  the  cross  was  a  charm  to  prevent  his 
doing  him  harm.  Hearing  this,  Reprobus  began  to  sua- 
pect  that  Maximus  was  not  the  greatest  king  in  the 
world.  If  he  was  afraid  of  the  Devil,  «>ie  Devil  must  be 
a  greater  lo[tl  than  he ;  and  as  he,  Reprobus,  was  in 
search  of  the  mightiest  king  there  was,  he  must  go  in 
search  of  the  Devil.  So  he  left  Maximus,  and  went  out 
to  find  bis  new  master. 

Which  y^y  to  go,  he  knew  not ;  for,  though  he  found 
himself  very  soon  in  his  dominions,  no  person  could  tell 
him  where  his  Satanic  Majesty  held  his  court.  Finally, 
after  riding  for  many  days,  as  he  was  passing  through  a 
gloomy  desert-place,  he  saw  a  great  band  of  warriors  in 
black  armor ;  and  in  the  midst  of  them  one  figure,  tall  and 
terrible,  with  black  pltune,  and  eyes  full  of  dark  fire,  who 
rode  up  to  him,  and  cried  fiercely,  "  Who  art  thou  ? 
and  whither  art  thou  going  ?  "  Reprobus  told  him  his 
story ;  and,  when  the  grim  knight  heard  him  say  that  be 
wished  to  enter  the  service  of  the  Devil,  said,  "  You  have 


21G  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  SELIGION. 

found  him  you  seek,  then  :  I  am  the  Devil.  If  you  will 
enter  my  service,  you  shall  be  right  welcome :  1  like  such 
tall  iellows  as  you,  and  will  give  you  work  enough." 

Behold  the  giant  now,  duly  enrolled  in  the  Devil's  reti- 
nue 1  There  was  work  enough  to  do,  to  be  sure ;  and  it 
was  well  done.  Keprobus  was  not  behind  the  rest  in  his 
zeal.  Many  a  deed  of  blood  he  perpetrated  ;  many  a 
good  man  he  ruined ;  many  a  delicate  woman  he  slew ; 
many  a  sweet  little  child  he  dashed  against  the  stones ; 
many  a  house  of  charity  he  burned  to  the  ground  ;  many 
a  caravan  of  pilgrims  he  put  to  the  sword.  lie  never 
stopped  at  any  outrage  ;  but,  whatever  he  was  bidden,  he 
performed.  In  the  Devil's  service  he  continued  several 
years ;  for  none  was  found  on  earth  stronger  than  he. 

But  one  day,  as  they  rode  on  together,  they  came  to  a 
crucifix,  which  some  priests  had  set  up  by  the  wayside, 
that  travellers  might  be  reminded,  as  they  went,  of  their 
redemption.  The  master  of  Keprobus  saw  it  afar  off, 
and,  before  tbeyreached  it,  turned  off  the  road  into  the 
forest,  and  struck  again  into  the  highway  farther  on. 
Keprobus,  much  wondering  at  this,  and  failing  to  guess 
what  it  might  mean,  ventured  to  ask  his  lord,  Satan,  why  he 
went  so  far  out  of  his  way  at  that  particular  spot.  For 
some  time,  he  received  no  answer ;  but,  on  his^nsisting,  the 
Devil  replied,  "  Did  you  not  observe  the  crucifix  by  the 
wayside  V  "  —  "  Certainly,"  said  Keprobus;  "  but  what  had 
that  to  do  with  it?''  —  "Every  thing,"  said  his  master; 
''  ibr  that  figure  on  the  cross  was  the  image  of  the  Christ." 
"  But  who  was  the  Christ  ?  "  again  asked  the  curious  sol- 
dier:  "  anybody  that  you  are  ai'raid  ofV"  The  Devil  was 
obliged  to  tell  him  that  he  was  the  great  King  of  the  other 
world,  who  would  one  day,  he  feared,  put  an  end  to  his 
own  kingdom.  "  Say  you  so  ?  "  said  Keprobus.  "  Then 
you  are  not  the  strongest  king,  after  all  ?     I  am  very 


LEGENDS  OF  VIRTUE.  217 

• 

sorry :  yoa  have  treated  me  well ;  but  I  must  leave  your 
service,  and  find  this  great  King  whose  name  makes  you 
tremble." 

So  Rcprobus  left  the  service  of  the  Devil,  and  went  in 
search  oC  the  Christ.  But  the  Christ  was  hard  to  find. 
He  journeyed  far,  and  asked  many  questions.  As  it 
chanced,  he  came,  after  much  wandering,  to  a  lonely 
monastery,  where  lived  many  monks.  They  promised  to 
show  him  the  way  to  Christ.  They  took  off  his  heavy  ar- 
mor, and  clothed  him  in  a  long  black  robe.  They  led 
away  his  war-horse ;  they  broke  liis  spear,  and  burled  his 
sword  ;  they  shaved  the  top  of  his  head,  and  changed  his 
heathen  name  of  Reprobus  the  wicked  lor  the  Chri.^iian 
name,  Christopher  the  Christ-bearer.  All  this  he  did  not 
much  like  ;  but  he  hked  still  less  the  work  they  gave  him  to 
do.  Praying  was  not  so  much  to  his  taste  as  fighting.  The 
huge  giant,  with  his  brawny  limbs,  found  himself  sadly  out 
of  place.  The  long  prayers  were  very  tiresome,  and  he 
could  not  see  tiie  use  of  them.  The  monks  tried  to  teach 
him  the  mysteries  of  doctrine;  but  he  could  not  un- 
derstand a  word  they  saiil,  for  he  had  small  brains.  See- 
ing that  he  could  neither  pray  nor  study,  that  he  was 
little  more  than  a  great  bulk  of  body,  they  decided  to 
put  him  to  such  uses  as  his  immense  power  made  him 
suitable  for. 

Now,  hard  by  the  monastery,  there  ran  a  strong  stream 
of  water,  difficult  to  cross  at  any  time,  and,  in  the  winter 
season,  almost  impossible.  There  was  no  bridge ;  no  ferry- 
boat, of  course.  By  the  side  of  this  little  river,  Chris- 
topher built  for  himself  a  log-hut,  and  there  lived  alone, 
waiting  for  travellers  to  come  seeking  passage  to  the 
other  side.  Thes^  he  took  on  his  bro<id  shoulders,  and 
carrietl  across.  For  a  long  time,  he  labon^d  in  this  way 
as  ferryman,  summer  and   winter,  day  and   night,  in 


218  A   CniLD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

storm  and  calm,  bearing  all  who  came.  One  black  night 
in  winter,  Christopher  lay  in  his  hut,  sheltered  from  the 
weather.  It  was  bitterly  cold :  the  wind  roared  furiously 
among  the  pine-trees ;  the  clouds  drove  across  the  sky ; 
the  river,  swollen  by  the  rains,  was  a  torrent.  As  the 
ferryman  lay  wrapped  up  in  his  skins,  there  came  to  his 
ear  a  sound  like  the  cry  of  a  child.  He  raised  his  head 
to  listen :  it  came  again  more  distinctly  than  before.  He 
went  out,  but  could  see  nothing  but  the  dark  waves  of  the 
river,  could  hear  nothing  but  the  roar  of  the  winds  and 
waves.  Thinking  that  his  hearing  had  deceived  him,  he 
went  back  to  his  hut,  and  tried  to  sleep ;  but  again  the 
cry  came,  as  of  a  child  in  distress.  He  went  forth  once 
more,  down  to  the  water's  edge  ;  and  there,  on  the  steep 
bank,  sat  a  little  child,  crying  piteously,  and  praying  to 
be  carried  over  the  stream.  Christopher  took  the  little 
one  in  bis  arms,  carried  him  into  the  hut,  lighted  his  fire, 
spread  a  warm  bear-skin  before  it,  and  tried  to  make  the 
child  sleep  till  the  morning.  But  the  child  would  not  be 
satisfied ;  its  cries  became  louder ;  it  would  be  carried 
across  the  stream  at  once.  So  Christopher,  seeing  there 
was  nothing  else  to  do,  took  his  staff,  made  of  the  trunk  of 
a  pine-tree,  placed  the  little  boy  securely  on  his  shoulder, 
and  began  the  passage.  The  water  was  deep ;  the  cur- 
rent was  strong;  the  waves  were  high.  He  had  scarcely 
made  half  the  distance,  when  the  burden  he  carried 
seemed  so  heavy,  that  he  could  scarcely  stand  under  it. 
His  limbs  trembled ;  his  knees  bent ;  the  sweat  poured  in 
streams  from  his  body :  still  he  staggered  on,  saying  no 
word,  till  with  prodigious  effort,  strained,  and  out  of 
breath,  he  reached  the  shore. 

"  Who  art  thou  ?  "  he  said  to  the  child,  as,  lifting  him 
from  bis  shoulders,  he  placed  him  tenderly  on  the  grass. 
But  the  child  was  no  more  a  child :  his  form  rose  and 


LEGENDS  OF   VIRTUE.  219 

dilated ;  his  face  put  on  a  wonderful  expression  ;  hb  hair 
was  like  a  glory  ;  his  eyes  were  like  stars.  It  was  the 
Christ  who  stood  there,  and  said  to  the  wondering  giant, 
"  I  am  the  King  thou  seekest.  Thou  art,  indeed,  Christo- 
pher :  thy  service  is  accepted." 


THE  LOVING  EYE  SEES  BEAUTY  EVERY- 
WHEKE. 

TESUS  drew  near  to  a  village  with  his  companions. 
^  As  they  entered  the  gate,  behold !  a  crowd  of  people 
were  gathered;  and,  from  their  gestures,  it  appeared  that 
they  were  interested  in  something  that  was  lying  on  the 
stones  of  the  street.  Making  his  way  through  the  press, 
Jesus  approached  to  see  what  it  was ;  and,  lo !  dead  on  the 
stones,  there  lay  a  dog,  who  had  been  hunted  down  and 
killed.  He  had  been  mad.  The  people  were  making 
remarks  on  the  poor  creature,  and,  in  various  ways,  were 
giving  vent  to  their  disgust.  "  How  horrible  he  is  to  look 
at !"  said  one  :  "  see  the  foam  on  his  lips,  the  blood  on  his 
tongue  and  in  his  eyes ! "  —  "  And  lus  skin,"  said  another ; 
•'  how  rough  and  torn  it  is !  and  how  dusty  too !  **  —  "  But 
look  at  his  ears,  all  slit  and  ragged !  See  how  his  tongue 
is  bitten,  and  what  an  ugly  gash  he  has  on  his  head  ! " 
"  Ugh !"  grunted  a  fourth ;  "  but  look  at  the  flies  on  him ! 
how  they  swarm !  how  they  buzz !  See  them  fight  for 
that  great  sore  place  on  his  side  ! "  —  "  He  is  dead  and 
rotting  ! "  —  "  Pah  !  how  he  smells !  "  While  they  talked 
thus,  coming  and  going,  holding  their  breath,  and  express- 
ing all  kinds  of  disgust,  Jesus  looked  on  pityingly.  Sud- 
denly be  turned  to  the  people,  and  said,  "  But  see  how 
pearly  white  his  teeth  are  ! "  They  looked  at  him,  and 
said,  "  Surely  thou  art  the  Christ;  for  none  But  he  would 
find  beauty  io  any  thing  so  hideous  1 " 


220  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION: 


"HE  PRAYETH  BEST  WHO  LOVETH  BEST." 

A  MONK  was  praying  in  his  cell.  The  spirit  of  prayer 
-^  was  strong  in  him ;  his  heart  was  full,  his  feeling  was 
earnest,  his  thoughts  were  quick ;  he  ft-lt  himself  near  to 
God ;  tears  of  gratitude  filled  his  eyes ;  his  voi(;e  trem- 
bled with  emotion  ;  his  face  was  glowing.  He  had  never 
had  such  rapture  in  his  prayer  before  :  earth  and  all 
earthl^  things  were  forgotten  ;  men  and  all  human  beings 
passed  from  his  mind ;  heaven  was  in  his  soul  ;  and,  as  he 
prayed,  heaven  opened  on  his  vision.  The  angels  seemed 
all  around  him.  In  full  view,  palpable  to  sight,  stood 
the  Madonna,  looking  down  on  him  with  tender  eyes. 
Absorbed  in  contemplation  of  the  beautiful  presence, 
and  happy  as  an  angel  himself,  he  hardly  heard  the  bell 
that  told  him  he  was  wanted  for  some  duty  at  the  door. 
It  rang  again.  Could  he  leave  the  blessed  place  for  the 
cold  air  outside  ?  Could  he  leave  his  blissful  prayer,  and 
go  out  on  some  common  work  of  charity,  probably  to 
hear  some  old  woman's  story,  or  help  some  beggar  in  his 
rags  ?  There  was  the  bright  presence  of  the  Virgin  full 
before  him  :  she  might  vanish  at  any  moment;  could  he 
go  while  she  staid  ?  In  a  moment,  these  thoughts  passed 
through  his  mind :  but  he  remembered  his  vow ;  and,  before 
the  bell  sounded  a  third  time,  he  was  at  the  door,  answer- 
ing the  call.  It  was  a  miserable  beggar  with  a  long  tale 
of  distress,  and  a  prayer  for  charity.  He  listened  pa- 
tiently to  the  tale  ;  he  relieved  the  want :  then  he  went 
back  to  his  cell,  expecting  to  find  all  that  glory  departed. 
To  his  surprise,  there  stood  the  Virgin  just  as  before, 
only,  if  tlAt  were  possible,  more  beautiful  in  face  and  ex- 
pression. Her  lips  opened ;  and  a  voice  said  to  him, 
"  Hadst  thou  not  gone,  I  had  not  remained." 


LEGENDS  OF  VIRTUE.  221 


NEVER  DESPISE  SMALL  THINGS. 

TESUS  was  walking  with  his  disciples  along  the  high- 
•^  road  towards  a  village  now  not  very  distant.  They  were 
talking,  as  they  loved  to  talk,  about  the  Master,  and  about 
themselves,  and  about  the  new  kingdom  that  was  to  be 
set  up  soon,  in  which  they  were  to  have  the  first  places 
and  th«  chief  honors.  They  carried  their  heads  high  ; 
for  they  were  thinking  of  crowns  and  sceptres  and 
thrones  and  body-guanls,  palaces  to  live  in,  fine  clothes 
to  wear,  and  delicacies  to  eat.  As  they  talked  on,  full  of 
hope,  and  warm  with  excitement,  Jesus  fell  behind  a  few 
steps,  and  became  absorbed  in  his  own  thoughts. 

Suddenly,  one  of  the  company  struck  with  his  foot  some 
hard  object  that  lay  hidden  in  the  dust  of  the  road.  It 
was  an  old,  rusty,  worn  horse-shoe,  that  had  been  cast  by 
the  steed  of  some  Roman  officer.  There  was  a  moment's 
pause  ;  but,  seeing  what  it  was,  the  high-minded  travel- 
lers spurned  it  with  their  feet,  as  not  being  worth  picking 
up,  and,  resuming  their  conversation,  went  proudly  on. 
Jesus  noticed  their  action,  marked  where  the  horse-shoe 
lay,  and,  on  coming  to  the  place,  quietly  stooped,  picked 
it  up,  and  put  it  into  the  fold  of  his  robe. 

They  staid  but  a  few  moments  in  the  village  ;  but 
Jesuj  took  occasion  to  stop,  unobserved  by  his  companions, 
at  a  stall  in  the  fruit-market,  where  he  exchanged  his 
old  iron  shoe  for  some  cherriea.  These  he  put  in  his 
large  sleeve,  and  rejoined  his  friends.  They  left  the  vil- 
lage, and  were  out  on  the  high-road  again.  The  day  be- 
came sultry  ;  the  soil  was  parched ;  there  was  no  water  to 
be  seen ;  there  was  no  tree  to  afford  them  shade.  Aflcr 
a  time,  they  became  silent,  and  doggedly  s^umbltid  on, 


222  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

their  eyes  bent  vacantly  on  the  ground.  Jesus  walked  a 
few  steps  in  advance  of  the  rest.  Presently,  without 
looking  round  or  saying  a  word,  he  dropped  a  cherry. 
It  was  quickly  pounced  upon  by  Peter,  though  it  made 
his  tired  back  ache  sorely  to  stoop  so  low.  In  a  minute 
or  two,  another  cherry  dropped,  and  down  went  Petei 
again :  and  so  on,  every  few  minutes,  Jesus  let  fall  a  cherry. 
—  only  one  at  a  time ;  and,  each  time  a  cherry  fell,  some 
tall  form  was  bent  to  pick  it  up.  When  Jesus  thought  he 
had  made  his  companions  stoop  oflen  enough,  he  turned, 
and  gave  them  the  remainder  of  the  fruit.  Most^rateful 
it  was  to  their  thirsty  mouths.  "  But  where  did  you  get 
them  ?  "  asked  Peter.  Then  Jesus  reminded  them  of  the 
old  horse-shoe,  told  them  what  he  had  done  with  it,  and 
said,  "  If  you  had  not  been  too  proud  to  stoop  once 
when  you  were  strong,  you  would  not  have  been  obliged 
to  stoop  so  many  times  when  you  were  weak." 


CHARITY  TO   THE   SINNING. 

A  GREAT  many  years  ago,  in  a  monastery  of  nuns, 
•^^  there  lived  a  young  girl  named  Beatrice.  She  was 
very  beautiful ;  but  she  was  no  more  beautiful  than  she 
was  good.  She  prayed  to  the  Holy  Virgin  constantly, 
and  was  very  much  devoted  to  all  pious  duties  in  her 
service.  So  great  was  her  piety,  that,  though  young,  she 
became  stewardess,  or  housekeeper,  of  the  convent ;  had 
charge  of  the  money ;  purchased  the  needful  supplies ;  and 
gave  alms  at  the  door.  For  some  time,  she  filled  this 
place  with  equal  wisdom  and  generosity,  making  herself 


LEGENDS  OF  VIRTUE.  223 

mach  beloved  by  all  in  the  house,  and  by  all  oat  of  it 
■who  knew  her.  Her  life  was  very  quiet:  she  knew 
nothing  about  the  ways  or  the  pleasures  of  the  world. 
Her  friends  were  all  inside  the  convent :  she  never  went 
abroad ;  and  it  was  only  now  and  then  that  she  saw  the 
face  of  a  man. 

One  day  there  came  to  the  monastery,  on  business,  a 
young  man,  who  saw  the  fair  girl,  loved  her,  and  wanted 
her  to  go  away  with  him.  He  told  her  all  about  the  gay 
world  she  had  never  seen ;  the  cities,  the  monuments,  the 
rich  parks  and  gardens,  the  crowded  streets,  the  bright 
shops,  the  fairs,  the  games,  the  merry  frolics,  the  dances, 
till  her  fancy  was  full  of  dreams.  But  she  knew  her 
duty,  and  loved  her  work  ;  and,  though  she  listened  to  the 
pleasant  stories,  she  refused  to  go  away  with  the  young 
man.  Still  the  young  man  came  and  begged ;  still  she 
listened  and  refused  for  a  long  time.  At  length,  she  could 
resist  no  longer  the  prayers  of  her  lover,  and  made  up 
her  mind  to  leave  the  convent.  She  came  to  the  altar 
of  the  Holy  Virgin,  her  protectress,  and  said,  "  Dear 
heavenly  Mother,  I  have  served  you  as  well  as  I  could  all 
this  time :  now  I  am  going  into  the  world ;  and,  as  I  can- 
not serve  you  longer,  I  leave  with  you  my  keys."  Hav- 
ing said  this,  she  placed  her  keys  on  the  altar,  and  went 
away  with  her  friend. 

She  saw  the  world  ;  she  went  into  its  gayeties ;  she 
shared  its  pleasures  ;  and,  alas  I  she  learned  its  vices  too, 
and  stained  herself  with  its  sins.  Her  friend  lelt  her  : 
lonely,  poor,  forsaken,  she  wandered  about,  sinking  from 
one  degree  of  misery  to  another,  till  her  heart  was  bro- 
ken, and  she  was  ready  to  die.  Not  knowing  where  to 
go  for  breail,  and  not  daring  to  return  to  the  convent  she 
bad  left,  she  8up|)orted  hersi'lf  as  well  as  she  could  by 
beggary  and  vice.     At  last,  ailer  years  spent  in  this  way. 


224  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

she  said  to  herself,  "  I  will  go  to  my  convent,  and  beg  a 
place  there  to  die  in.  They  will  not  remember  me ;  for 
my  beauty  is  gone,  my  looks  are  altered,  and  they  will 
surely  pity  one  who  is  so  poor  and  wretched." 

She  went  to  the  gate,  and  knocked.  The  same  old 
portress  answered  the  call  who  used  to  wait  there  when 
she  was  stewardess.  She  did  not  recognize  the  pale  beg- 
gar in  the  faded  rags.  "  Do  you  remember  Beatrice," 
asked  the  poor  girl,*"  who  was  once  mistress  of  this  house  ?  " 
—  "  Perfectly,"  replied  the  portress.  "  She  is  still  here ; 
she  is  still  the  mistress  of  the  house.  A  wise,  honest,  and 
holy  woman  is  Dame  Beatrice :  she  has  lived  in  the  convent 
from  her  childhood,  and  has  never  had  dispute  with  man 
or  woman."  Beatrice,  hearing  these  words,  could  hardly 
trust  her  ears,  and  was  turning  to  go  away,  feeling  that 
the  woman  was  laughing  at  her,  when  the  Holy  Mother 
herself  appeared,  looking  as  she  might  have  looked,  and, 
calling  her  in,  said  to  her,  "  My  daughter,  these  fifteen 
years  that  you  have  been  absent,  I  have  taken  your  place, 
and  done  your  duty.  You  left  the  keys  with  me  :  take 
them  again  ;  resume  your  office.  No  one  knows  of  your 
absence  or  your  shame." 


MORE  WAYS  THAN  ONE  OF  DOING  GOOD. 

THERE  were  two  brothers,  twins,  and  only  children 
of  their  parents.  They  grew  up  together  as  chil- 
dren, and  were  so  much  alike  in  looks  an<l  manners  and 
childish  ways,  that  only  their  parents  knew  them  apart. 
.A^  they  grew  older,  they  still  looked  alike ;  but  their 


LEGENDS  OF  VIRTUE.  225 

ta.«tes  and  talents  were  very  different.  One  was  fond  of 
study,  and  particularly  of  the  study  of  medicine  ;  the 
other  was  fond  of  music,  and  spent  all  his  time  in  learn- 
ing to  play  on  the  violin.  Botli  were  kind,  tender- 
hearted, and  good ;  both  seemed  happiest  when  they 
were  doing  something  for  poor  and  sad  jieople.  In  course 
of  time,  the  first  became  a  great  pliysiciau.  Tlie  fame  of 
his  knowledge  and  skill  was  spread  all  over  'he  great 
city  where  he  lived,  and  all  over  the  country  beyond. 
Rich  carriages  stoo<l  before  his  door,  and  poor  people 
knocked  at  it ;  and,  while  the  rich  gave  him  money,  the 
poor  gave  him  thanks,  which  he  valued  as  much  as  the 
money.  Many  were  the  cures  that  he  wrought ;  many 
the  people  he  raised  up,  as  it  were,  from  the  dead  ; 
many  the  sufferers  whom  he  relieved  ;  many  the  parents 
that  he  restored  to  their  children,  and  the  children  that 
he  restored  to  their  parents.  Noble  lords  and  ladies  sent 
him  splendid  gil\s ;  kings  bestowed  favor  on  him.  His 
name  everywhere  was  spoken  with  blessings. 

All  this  time  his  twin-brother  was  poor,  going  about 
from  town  to  town  with  his  violin,  playing  in  the  public 
squares  to  the  people,  playing  to  sick  people  in  hospitals, 
or  amusing  children  out  of  school.  He  w;xs  happy  and 
pay  and  inno(;ent,  very  tender-hearted  and  gentle.  Men 
called  him  idler  and  vagabond ;  only  a  foolish  fiddler, 
who  was  of  no  use  in  the  world:  but  many  j)Oor  people 
and  sick  people  were  made  happy  by  his  music ;  many 
dying  peo[)lo  were  cheered  by  the  sound  of  his  violin  ; 
and  many  sad  people,  for  whom  the  great  dwtor  could  do 
notbin<;  at  all,  were  comforted,  and  blessed  the  sweet 
musician  and  his  melodies. 

One  day,  the  gre^  physician  was  called  to  attend  a 
poor  man  who  was  dying  in  a  distant  part  of  the  city. 
The  bouse  was  low,  dark,  and  comfortless ;  it  was  ill 
16 


226  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

furnished ;  the  fire  had  nearly  gone  out  on  the  hearth. 
No  friends  were  there ;  but  alone  on  his  hard  bed,  sitting 
up  on  it,  pale  and  weak,  with  a  violin  in  his  hand,  was  a 
poor  worn-out  man.  The  doctor  came  in,  and  knew  his 
brother.  They  met  at  last,  after  many  years.  The  poor 
player,  worn  out  by  poverty,  and  by  travelling  from  place 
to  place,  needed  his  brother's  skill ;  the  great  doctor,  sad 
from  seeing  so  much  suffering  and  death,  and  from  thinking 
how  little  he  could  do  to  help  his  fellow-men,  needed  his 
brother's  music.  So  they  helped  each  other.  The  doctor 
gave  strength  to  the  player's  body ;  the  player  comforted 
the  doctor's  heart.  And  which  did  the  other  the  most 
good,  or  which  did  the  most  good  in  the  world,  nobody 
will  ever  be  able  to  tell. 


CHARITY  THE  TRUE  SAINTLINESS. 

A  CERTAIN  man  had  passed  a  long  life  in  a  desert 
cave,  far  away  from  men  and  women  and  little 
children.  He  spent  his  time  in  fasting  and  praying,  and 
performing  severe  tasks  which  did  no  good  to  anybody. 
His  study  was  to  make  himself  as  miserable  as  he  could 
in  this  world,  in  order  that  he  might  be  happy  in  the  next 
world.  He  wanted  to  be  a  great  saint.  Men  thought  he 
was,  and  the  fame  of  his  saintliness  was  abroad  over  all 
the  land.  He  liked  this  very  much,  and  was  proud 
enough  because  he  was  so  much  more  holy  than  other 
people.  But  he  was  anxious  that  God  should  think  him 
a  great  saint  too,  and  holier  than  anybody  else  in  the 
world.     One  day,  when  he  was  now  an  old  man,  he  felt 


LEGENDS  OF  VIRTUE.  227 

80  macb  pnfTed  up  with  the  notion  of  his  holiness,  that  he 
asked  tht^Lord  what  saint  there  was  anywhere  greater 
than  himself,  that  he  might  go  and  find  him  out,  and  learn 
of  him  bow  to  be  more  saintly. 

All  the  time  he  was  asking  this,  be  felt  quite  sure  that 
no  greater  saint  existed  on  the  face  of  the  earth  than  he 
was  ;  and  he  was  certain  that  the  Lord  would  tell  him  so. 
In  fact,  he  was  seeking  for  a  compliment  But  a  compli- 
ment he  did  not  get  On  the  contrary,  the  Lord,  who 
did  not  at  all  approve  of  his  conceit  of  his  own  goodness, 
told  him,  that,  if  he  would  excel  all  others  in  virtue  and 
sanctity,  he  must  do  his  best  to  resemble  a  certain  poor 
minstrel,  who  went  singing  from  door  to  door  in  the 
nearest  village. 

The  holy  man  was  in  great  astonishment  at  hearing 
such  words ;  but  he  arose,  took  up  his  staff,  and  went  forth 
in  haste  to  find  the  minstrel.  He  found  him  singing  in 
the  market-place,  and,  greeting  him,  said  verj'  earnestly, 
"  Tell  me,  I  pray,  my  brother,  what  good  works  thou  hast 
done  in  thy  lifetime,  and  by  what  prayers  and  penances 
thou  hast  made  thyself  acceptable  to  God."  The  man, 
amazed  at  being  so  addressed,  hung  his  head  in  shame,  as 
he  replied,  "  I  pray  thee,  good  father,  do  not  mock  me. 
I  have  done  no  good  works:  and  as  to  praying,  dear  me  1 
poor  sinner  that  I  am,  I  do  not  know  how;  I  am  not 
worthy  to  do  it.  I  do  nothing  but  go  about  from  door  to 
door,  amusing  the  people  with  my  flute." 

But  the  holy  man  would  not  be  put  off  in  this  way. 
The  Lord  ha<l  told  him  that  this  man  was  a  greater  saint 
than  he  was,  and  he  knew  of  but  one  kind  of  saint,  —  a 
man  who  |>assed  his  days  in  prayer  and  fasting.  So  he 
insisted,  saying,  "  Nay  ;  but  some  good  works  thou  must 
have  done  in  the  course  of  thy  life  to  raise  thee  so  high  in 
the  Lord's  regard."     Still  the  minstrel  replied,  "  No :  I 


228  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION.  • 

can  remember  no  good  thing  that  I  ever  ilid.  I  have 
never  deserved  any  praise  or  honor  from  the  Lord,  or 
from  my  fellow-men.'*  —  "But  hast  thovi  always  led  this 
idle,  vagabond  life?  Hast  thou  always  followed  the 
worthless  trade  thou  foUowest  now  ?  Thou  art  a  beggar, 
to  be  sure  ;,that  is  something.  But  men  of  your  trade 
may  become  beggars  by  their  vice  and  their  riotous  liv- 
ing :  then  their  poverty  is  no  merit.  Did  you  beggar 
yourself  so  ?  "  —  "  Oh,  no  ! "  said  the  man.  "  I  will  tell  you 
how  I  became  poor.  I  saw,  one  day,  long  ago,  a  woman 
running  about  from  place  to  place,  distracted  with  fear 
and  grief.  Her  husband  and  children  had  been  sold  into 
slavery  to  pay  a  debt.  She  had  no  home,  no  money ;  and 
she  knew  not  where  to  go.  She  was  very  beautiful  too, 
which  made  the  matter  worse ;  for  wicked  men  were  in 
pursuit  of  her.  I  protected  her  from  the  villains,  and 
took  the  poor  sad  creature  home  to  my  cottage,  out  of 
harm's  way.  I  had  laid  by  some  money  which  I  did  not 
need, — about  enough  to  ransom  her  husband  and  children. 
This  I  gave  to  her  lor  that  purpose  :  they  were  redeemed 
from  slavery ;  and  now  they  all  live  together  in  their  old 
home  in  the  city.  This  explains  my  poverty  ;  for,  at 
present,  the  only  way  I  have  to  earn  my  bread  is  this :  I 
go  from  door  to  door  with  ray  flute,  and  the  people  give 
me  what  they  can.  This  is  the  only  thing  I  can  recol- 
lect about  myself:  and  there  is  no  great  merit  in  that; 
for  any  honest  man  would  have  done  the  same  thing. 
Besides,  it  happened  so  long  ago,  that  I  have  almost  for- 
gotten it." 

The  holy  man,  hearing  the  minstrel's  story,  burst  into 
tears,  and  said,  "  In  all  my  long  life,  I  have  never  done  any 
thing  so  good  as  this  deed  of  thine  which  thou  hast  almost 
forgotten,  and  dost  not  think  worth  speaking  of;  yet  thou 
art  nothing  but  a  poor  piper,  and  men  call  me  a  saint." 


LEGENDS  OF   VIRTUE.  229 


SHALL  WE  EVER  TIRE  OF  HEAVEN? 

A  PIOUS  monk,  Yiho  bad  tried  all  his  life  to  live  so  aa 
to  be  worthy  of  heaven,  had  the  horrible  thought 
cross  his  mind,  that  heaven  might  at  last  be  as  weari- 
some as  earth  was.  He  w^  tired  of  every  thing  about 
him,  even  of  things  that  were  sweet  and  beautiful.  He 
was  tired  of  his  foo<l  and  drink  ;  he  was  tired  of  duties ; 
he  was  tired  of  getting  up  in  the  morning,  an^l  going  to 
rest  at  night ;  he  was  tired  of  seeing  the  sun  rise  and  set ; 
he  was  tired  of  the  grass  and  the  flowers  and  the  trees 
and  the  running  brooks ;  he  was  tired  of  the  forms  and 
faces  of  his  fellow-men.  All  he  saW  and  heanl  and  knew 
of  had  ceased  to  give  him  pleasure.  He  was  charmed  for 
a  little  while,  and  soon  the  charm  ceased.  Might  it  not 
be  the  same  in  heaven  ?  Might  he  not  become  just  as 
tired  of  hearing  the  songs  of  the  angels  as  he  had  become 
of  hearing  the  songs  of  his  fellow-men  ?  Would  not  the 
celestial  landscape  lose  its  charm  at  last  V  Would  the 
sunshine  on  the  plains  of  light  seem  as  beautiful  to  him 
when  he  bad  lived  in  it  a  hundred  years  ?  If  it  would 
not,  if  heaven  was  at  length  to  be  as  stupid  as  the  earth 
was,  what  was  the  use,  he  thought,  of  wishing  so  much  to 
go  there  ? 

Thinking  thus  sadly,  he  walked  one  evening,  just  after 
sunset,  into  a  deep  forest  which  was  not  fjar  Irom  the 
monastery  where  he  lived.  Seating  himself  on  a  mossjr 
stone,  he  was  soon  lost  in  musing,  and  forgot  in  what 
place  he  was.  Suddenly,  from  the  branch  of  a  tree  di- 
rectly o\'er  his  head,  a  nightingale  began  to  sing.  Ho 
listened  to  tiie  sweet,  sad  song,  forgetting  every  thing, — 
his  cares,  his  duties,  his  sorrows,  even  his  own  tormeutiug 


230  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  liELIGION. 

thoughts.  His  mind  was  still ;  his  very  heart  was  silent 
as  he  listened.  He  closed  his  eyes,  and  gave  himselt' 
wholly  up  to  the  delicious  notes.  The  song  was  a  short 
one,  and  the  bird  kept  singing  it  over  and  over  and  over 
again,  — just  the  same  notes  all  the  time  :  but,  each  time 
he  sang  it,  it  seemed  sweeter  than  it  did  the  time  before ; 
and  he  found  himself  expecting  the  strain  as  eagerly,  when 
it  had  been  sung  a  thousand  times,  as  if  he  had  never 
heard  it  at  all.  He  sat  thus,  listening  and  longing,  for 
the  space,  it  seemed  to  him,  of  an  hour  ;  then,  remember- 
ing his  duties  at  the  evening  service  in  the  monast^y,  he 
started,  heaved  a  sigh,  and  bent  his  steps  homeward. 

As  he  drew  near,  things  did  not  look  as  they  did  when 
he  saw  them  last.  The  young  trees  had  grown  large  and 
tall ;  the  garden  had  run  to  waste  ;  the  brook  was  almost 
dry  ;  the  fences  looked  old,  and,  in  some  places,  were 
broken  down  ;  the  orchard-wall  was  dilapidated ;  there 
were  no  fowls  or  domestic  animals  about.  He  approached 
the  gate :  it  W£is  off  the  hinges.  Near  it  stood  a  very  old 
man,  whom  he  thought  he  remembered  to  have  seen  be- 
fore, but  who  did  not  seem  to  know  him  at  all.  "  Who 
are  you  ?  "  said  he  to  the  monk,  as  he  approached.  "  I 
am  Brother  Benedict :  don't  you  know  Brother  Bene- 
dict ?  " —  "  Brother  Benedict  is  dead  long  since,"  said  the 
old  man :  "  at  least,  we  suppose  he  is  dead.  He  went 
away  one  evening,  after  sundown ;  and  we  have  never 
seen  or  heard  of  him  since."  —  "  But  I  am  Brother  Bene- 
dict," said  the  monk.  "  I  went  away  this  very  evening, 
after  sundown,  about  an  hour  ago ;  and  now  I  am  come 
back  for  evening  prayer." — "  We  said  the  evening  prayer 
without  you,"  answered  the  old  monk  ;  "  and  many  even- 
ing prayers  and  morning  prayers  we  have  said  since  that 
time ;  for  it  must  be  thirty  years  ago.  We  have  all  grown 
old.    I  was  one  of  the  younger  brothers,  and  you  see  how 


LEGENDS  OF   VIRTUE.  231 

old  I  am.  Some  of  us  are  dead  and  gone  (you  may  see 
tbeir  graves  over  yonder  in  the  meadow),  and  some  are 
very  aged  and  weak  ;  we  can  do  very  little  work  out  of 
doors :  you  see  how  all  tilings  have  gone  to  decay.  But 
now  tell  me  where  you  have  been  all  these  years.  Have 
you  lH5en  travelling  in  foreign  lands  ?  Have  you  been 
to  Jorusalem  and  the  Holy  Sepulchre  ?  " 

Then  Benedict  told  him  where  he  had  been,  and  what  he 
had  been  doing.  He,  too,  had  grown  very  old ;  but  he  did 
not  know  it :  for  the  nightingale's  song  had  made  him  lose 
all  sense  of  time  and  change,  of  hunger  and  thirst,  of  cold 
and  heat,  summer  and  winter,  sunshine  and  shower,  day 
and  night.  He  had  listened  a  generation,  and  thought  it 
only  an  hour.  He  never  feared  again  that  he  should  tire 
of  the  joys  of  heaven. 


THE   INDIAN  BOY  AND   THE  FIRE. 

ONCE  upon  a  time,  the  lightning  from  heaven  fell 
uf»on  a  tree  standing  in  the  old  primeval  forest,  and 
kindled  it  so  that  it  flamed  on  high.  An«l  it  happened 
that  a  young  hunter,  who  had  lost  his  path  in  that  wilder- 
ness, beheld  the  gleam  of  the  flames  from  a  distance  ;  and, 
forcing  his  way  through  the  thicket,  he  flung  himself  down 
in  rapture  before  the  blazing  tree. 

"  O  divine  light  and  warmth  !"  he  exclaimed,  stretch- 
ing forth  his  anius,  "  O  blessed,  O  heavtm-descended 
Fire !  let  me  thank  thee  ;  let  me  adore  thee. 

"  Giver  oT  a  new  existence,  (piickening  through  every 
pulse,  bow  Jwt,  bow  cold,  bow  dark,  have  1  dwelt  without 


232  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

thee !  Restorer  of  my  life,  remain  ever  near  me,  and, 
througli  thy  benign  and  celestial  influence,  send  love  and 
joy  to  illuminate  my  soul." 

And  the  Fire  answered,  and  said  to  him,  "  It  is  true 
that  my  birth  is  from  heaven ;  but  I  am  now,  througli 
mingling  with  earthly  elements,  subdued  to  earthly  in- 
fluences: therefore  beware  how  thou  choose  me  for  thy 
friend,  without  having  first  studied  my  twofold  nature.  O 
youth  !  take  heed,  lest  what  appears  to  thee  now  a  bless- 
ing may  be  turned  at  some  future  time  to  fiery  pain  and 
death."  And  the  youth  repUed,  "  No,  oh,  no !  thou 
blessed  Fire :  this  could  never  be.  Am  I,  then,  so  sense- 
less, so  inconstant,  so  thankless  ?  Oh,  believe  it  not !  Let 
me  stay  near  thee  ;  let  me  be  thy  priest  to  watch  and 
tend  thee  truly.  Ofttimes  in  my  wild  wintry  life,  when 
the  chill  darkness  encompassed  me  and  the  ice-blast 
lifted  my  hair,  have  I  dreamed  of  the  soft  summer  breath, 
of  the  sunshine  that  should  light  up  the  world  within 
me  and  the  world  around  me.  But  still  that  time  came 
not.  It  seemed  .ever  far,  far  off;  and  I  had  perished  ut- 
terly before  the  light  and  the  warmth  had  reached  me, 
had  it  not  been  for  thee." 

Thus  the  youth  poured  forth  his  soul  ;  and  the  Fire 
answered  him  in  murmured  tones,  while  her  beams,  with 
a  softer  radiance,  played  over  his  cheek  and  brow  :  "  Be 
it  so,  then :  yet  do  thou  watch  me  constantly,  and  minis- 
ter to  me  carefully ;  neglect  me  not ;  leave  me  not  to  my- 
self, lest  the  light  and  warmth  in  which  thou  so  delightest 
fail  thee  suddenly,  and  there  be  no  redress.  And,  oh,  watch 
thyself  also  !  Bewarff  lest  thou  too  ardently  stir  up  my 
impatient,  fiery  being !  beware  lest  thou  heap  too  much 
fuel  upon  me !  once  more,  beware,  lest,  instead  of  life  and 
love  and  joy,  I  bring  thee  only  death  and  bufhing  pain  I " 
And  the  youth  passionately  vowed  to  keep  her  behest ; 


LEGENDS  OF  VIRTUE.  233 

and,  in  the  beginning,  all  went  well.  How  often,  for  hours 
together,  would  ho  lie  gazing,  entranced,  toward  the  radi- 
ant, beneficent  Fire,  basking  in  her  warmth,  and  throw- 
ing, now  a  k'afy  spray,  now  a  fragment  of  dry  wo«xl,  anon 
a  handful  of  odorous  gums  as  incense,  upon  the  flame, 
•which,  gracefully  curling  and  waving  upwards,  quivering 
and  sparkling,  seemed  to  whisper  in  return  divine  oracles ! 
or  he  fancied  he  beheld,  while  gazing  into  the  glowing 
deptlis,  marvellous  shapes,  fiery  visions  <lancing  and  glan- 
cing along.  Then  he  would  sing  to  her  songs  full  of  love  ; 
and  she,  responding  to  the  song  she  had  herself  inspired, 
sometimes  replied  in  softest  whispers,  so  loving  and  so 
low,  that  even  the  jealous,  listening  woods  could  not  over- 
hear. At  other  times  she  would  shoot  up  suddenly  in  rap- 
turous splendor  like  a  pillar  of  light,  and  reveal  to  him 
all  the  wonders  and  the  beauties  which  lay  around  him, 
hitherto  veiled  from  his  sight. 

But  at  length,  as  he  became  accustomed  to  the  glory 
and  the  warmth,  and  nothing  more  was  left  for  the  Fire 
to  bestow,  or  her  light  to  reveal,  then  he  began  to  weary, 
and  to  dream  again  of  the  morning,  and  to  long  for  tho' 
sunbeams.  And  it  wa.s  to  him  as  if  the  Fire  stood  between 
him  an«l  tlie  sun's  light ;  and  he  reproached  her  there- 
for, and  became  moody  and  ungrateful :  and  the  Fire  was 
no  longer  the  same,  but  unquiet  and  changeful,  sometimes 
flickering  unsteadily,  sometimes  throwing  out  a  lurid 
glare.  And  when  the  youth,  forgetful  of  his  ministry, 
left  the  flame  unfed  and  unsustained,  so  that  ofttimes  she 
drooped  and  waned,  and  crept  in  dying  gleams  along  tho 
damp  ground,  his  heart  would  fail  him  with  a  sa<lden  re- 
morse, and  he  woulil  cast  on  the  fuel  with  such  a  rough 
and  lavish  hand,  that  the  indignant  Fire  his.sed  thcn'at, 
an<l  burst  forth  in  a  smoky,  sullen  gleam,  then  died  away 
again.     Then  tho  youth,  half  sorrowful,  half  impatient, 


234  A   GUILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

would  remember  how  bright,  how  glowing,  how  dazzling, 
was  the  flame  in  those  former  happy  days  when  it  played 
over  his  chilled  and  wearied  limbs,  and  shed  its  warmth 
upon  his  brow  ;  and  he  desired  eagerly  to  recall  that  once- 
inspiring  glow.  And  he  stirred  up  the  embers  violently 
till  they  burned  him  ;  and  then  he  grew  angry  ;  and  tlien 
again  he  wearied  of  all  the  watching  and  the  care  which 
the  subtle,  celestial,  tameless  element  rccjuired  at  his 
hand  :  and  at  length,  one  day,  in  a  sullen  mood,  ho 
snatched  up  a  pitcher  of  water  from  the  fountain,  and 
poured   it  hastily  on  the  yet   living  flame. 

For  one  moment,  it  arose,  blazing,  towards  heaven,  shed 
a  last  gleam  upon  the  pale  brow  of  the  youth,  and  then 
sank  down  in  darkness,  extinguished  forever. 

From  Mrs.  Jameson's  Commonplace  Book. 


POWER   OF   THE   DIVINE   CHILD. 

IT  is  recorded  of  Jesus  in  certain  very  old  books,  that, 
when  he  was  an  infant,  he  was  taken  by  his  parents 
down  into  Egypt  to  escape  the  wrath  of  King  Herod, 
who  feared  lest  he  should  grow  up  to  be  a  powerful 
enemy.  It  was  a  long  and  tiresome  journey  through 
solitudes  and  over  barren  places  infested  by  wild  beasts. 
"  His  father  was  an  old  man,  and  his  mother  was  a  delicate 
woman.  They  were  too  poor  to  hire  an  escort,  or  even 
to  pay  a  servant  to  take  care  of  the  child.  Their  donkey 
was  not  strong  enough  to  carry  much  luggage  or  food  in 
addition  to  the  burden  of  the  mother  and  babe ;  so  that 
they  must  expect  to  be  oflen  hungry,  and  almost  always 


LEGENDS  OF   VIRTUE.  235 

in  danger.  At  this  time,  says  the  old  stor)',  all  things  wait* 
ed  on  the  loving  child,  and  were  ready  to  serve  him ;  all 
nature  was  kind ;  the  very  beasts  were  friendly  ;  the  hot 
days  became  shorter,  and  the  still,  cool  nights  became 
longer  ;  and  a  troop  of  invisible  angels  waited  on  the 
little  company  in  their  flight,  to  protect  them.  It  chanced 
that  one  day,  in  the  midst  of  tlie  heat,  they  came  to  a 
cavern,  whose  wide  mouth  invited  them  to  enter.  The 
mother,  with  her  child,  dismounted  from  the  donkey;  the 
beast  was  turned  loose ;  and  the  travellers  went  into  the 
cave.  They  had  penetrated,  however,  a  very  little  way, 
when  a  terrible  hissing  came  to  their  ears ;  and,  in  the 
distance,  they  saw  what  seemed  to  be  huge  balls  of  red 
fire.  The  cavern  was  the  home  of  a  brood  of  serpents. 
Their  vast  coils  rose  and  fell  like  waves  of  the  sea ;  their 
scales  glistened  like  steel  plates,  and  rustled  like  armor; 
on  their  crests  rose  plumes  of  horrid  hair,  and  from  their 
mouths  darted  and  quivered  arrowy  tongues.  There 
seemed  to  be  legions  of  them ;  and  they  looked  as  if  they 
swarmed  up  from  the  flaming  centre  of  the  earth. 

Joseph  and  Marj'  were  sore  afraid,  and  would  gladly 
have  run  away :  but  terror  kept  them  still ;  and,  if  it  bad 
not,  the  s«.'rp<'nts  would  have  moved  faster  than  they,  and 
would  soon  have  overtaken  them.  The  dragons  —  for 
such  they  were  —  ma<le  a  horritl  sound  on  seeing  the  trav- 
ellers enter  the  cavern,  and  would  have  devoun'd  them 
instantly.  Jesus,  siiys  the  old  story,  liad  been  asleep  in 
bis  mother's  arms;  but  waking  at  the  moment,  and  open- 
ing his  great  mysterious  eyes,  he  looked  steadily  at  the 
monsters.  That  child's  hxik  they  could  not  b«'ar  ;  their 
beads  sank  to  the  gix)und  ;  their  crests  fell;  their  eyes 
closed:  slowly  they  crawled  back  into' the  dark;  aud 
the  travellers  had  no  more   fear. 

Id  the  unfrequented  partj  of  the  journey,  where  the 


23G  A    CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

way  was  crooked,  and  hard  to  find,  or  where  the  dangei-a 
were  especially  great,  a  strange  escort,  it  is  said  closed 
about  the  feeble  company  to  guard  and  guide  tlunn. 
Lions  and  panthers  I'roai  the  wilderness,  wolves  and 
jackals,  gambolled  in  front  of  them,  or  gravely  marched 
behind.  Harmless  animals,  too,  joined  the  procession, — 
the  wild  asses  and  goats  from  the  rocks,  with  their  udders 
full  of  milk.  They  allowed  him  to  ride  on  their  backs;  and 
many  a  weary  mile  they  made  pleasant  with  their  awk- 
ward, kindly  ways.  This  did  not  last  always;  for  some- 
times the  travellers  were  alone  in  the  wide  wilderness, 
—  alone  with  the  white  sand,  and  the  short,  dry  grass, 
and  the  rocks,  and  the  terrible  sun,  which  pierced  them 
with  its  beams  like  a  spear.  The  shade  of  a  small  tree 
was  a  blessing  they  could  not  be  enough  thankful  ibr ; 
and  they  were  very  few. 

When  they  had  been  out  many  days,  and  no  rain  had 
fallen,  no  cloud  had  shaded  the  sun,  Mary,  one  hot  day 
towards  noon,  saw  a  tree  in  the  distance.  "  Let  us  go 
there  quickly,"  she  cried  to  Joseph,  "  and  rest  a  while  in 
the  shade  of  it ! "  They  made  haste  to  the  palm-tree,  and 
stopped.  The  mother  and  child  alighted,  and  sat  down  at 
the  foot  of  it.  She  was  very  tired,  and  her  lips  were 
parched.  As  she  turned  her  eyes  upward,  she  saw  its 
branches,  heavy  with  fruit ;  and  she  sighed,  "  Oh  that 
I  might  have  some  of  the  fruit  that  is  hanging  there 
above  my  head  ! "  Josej)h  replied,  "  1  wonder  that  you 
can  say  that,  Avhen  you  see  how  high  the  branches  are 
from  the  gi-ound.  I  am  more  anxious  to  get  water  ;  for 
our  Hasks  are  empty,  and  there  is  no  fountain  near :  we 
may  perish  from  thirst."  On  this,  the  child  Jesus,  lying 
on  the  bosom  of  fiis  mother,  smiled  sweetly,  and  looked  up 
at  the  tree,  as  if  he  would  say,  "  (Jood  tree,  why  do  you 
not  let  down  your  branche.'i,  and  dro[)  your  fruit  into  my 


LEGENDS  OF  VITiTUE.  237 

mother's  mouth  ?  "  The  tender,  pleading  look  drew  the  ' 
tree  towards  the  child  ;  the  branches  came  lovingly  down  ; 
and  the  dates,  fresh  and  sweet,  lay  in  heaps  before  the 
little  company.  They  ate,  and  were  satisfied.  The  moth- 
er blessed  the  sweet  child,  whose  love  made  even  the  palm- 
tree  return  love  to  it.  The  tree  was  not  content  to  give 
its  fruit  only  ;  for  when  it  had  raised  itself  again,  and  stood 
tall  and  straight  as  it  had  been  before,  it  sent  forth  from 
its  roots  the  most  delicious  spring  of  cool,  sparkling  water. 
Then  their  hearts  were  glad  indeed.  They  bathed  their 
hands  and  faces  in  the  bubbling  stream ;  they  quenched 
their  thirst ;  they  gave  drink  to  their  faithful  beast ;  they 
filled  their  Hasks ;  they  sat  long,  listening  to  the  gentle 
soothing  song  of  the  fountain,  which  made  music  in  the 
ur.  Then  they  thanked  God,  and  prepared  to  go  on 
their  way.  As  they  left  the  place,  an  angel  came,  broke 
a  twig  from  the  tree,  and  carried  it  up  to  heaven  to 
bloom  in  paradise. 

But  tlieir  way  was  not  yet  wholly  free  from  dangers. 
There  were  waste  places  to  be  passed  over,  which  were 
said  to  be  infested  by  robbers.  As  tiiey  drew  near  to 
one  of  these,  Joseph  and  Mary  said,  "  We  will  travel  over 
it  by  night :  then  we  shall  not  bo  seen."  But,  lo  I  midway 
they  came  suddenly  on  a  company  of  robbers  asleep  by 
the  roadside.  Two  of  them,  wakened  by  the  sound  of  their 
animal,  started  up.  Their  names  were  Titus  and  Du- 
maclius.  Titus  said  to  Dumachus,  "  Let  us  not  disturb 
our  comrades,  nor  let  us  molest  these  travellers.  Do 
allow  them  to  pass  quietly  on." 

But  Dumaohus  siiid,  "  No  :  they  may  be  rich.  Besiiles, 
if  one  of  our  <-i)inpanion.4  should  happen  to  stir,  and  see 
what  we  were  alMiiit,  an<l  tell  tlie  rest,  we  sliouhl  lose  our 
livi-s  as  well  as  our  Ijooty."  —  "  Nay,"  replied  Titus  :  "  tlu-y 
are  sound  asleep ;  do  not  be  afraid  of  their  waking.    Hero 


238  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

are  forty  gold-pieces ;  take  them :  let  the  travellers  go, 
and  say  no  more  about  it."  So  Dumachus  took  the 
money,  and  the  travellers  passed  on.  Thirty  years 
after,  Jesus  hung  on  the  cross  with  two  thieves,  one  on 
each  hand.  One  of  them  was  full  of  blasphemy ;  but  the 
other  turned  his  d\'ing  eyes  to  Jesus,  and  said,  "  Lord, 
remember  me  when  thou  coraest  into  thy  kingdom." 
Jesus  looked  on  him,  and  saw  Titus,  —  the  same  kind 
robber  who  had  saved  them  in  the  desert.  His  heart  was 
touched,  and  he  said,  "  Yes :  I  will  remember  thee.  This 
day  thou  shalt  be  with  me  in  paradise." 

Yet  again,  as  they  journeyed,  they  were  in  danger 
of  falling  into  the  hands  of  robbers.  A  large  troop  was 
riding  a  short  distance  in  advance  of  them,  moving 
slowly,  because  they  were  loaded  with  plunder  taken 
from  a  caravan  they  had  just  attacked.  As  the  robber- 
band  marched  on,  suddenly  they  seemed  to  hear  be- 
hind them  a  great  noise,  as  of  horsemen  armed,  scouring 
the  plain.  There  were  the  ringing  of  weapons,  the  rattle 
of  bridles,  the  clatter  of  hoofs,  the  notes  of  the  trumpet 
sounding  a  charge,  and  the  confused  murmur  of  many 
steeds  and  men.  The  robbers  said  apart,  one  to  another, 
"  It  is  the  king  with  his  army :  we  must  fly  ! "  And  fly 
they  did  immediately,  leaving  the  booty,  and  all  their 
prisoners  to  shift  for  themselves  as  they  could.  They 
were  loosening  one  another's  bonds,  and  picking  out  the 
goods  that  belonged  to  them,  when  Joseph  and  Mary  and 
the  little  child  appeared.  "  Where,"  they  exclaimed  in 
great  wonder  to  Joseph,  — "  where  is  the  great  king, 
whose  host  we  heard,  and  whose  coming  has  frightened 
the  robbers  away,  and  delivered  us  ?  " 

"  Tiie  Divine  Child  is  the  King,"  said  Joseph ":  "  I  know 
of  no  other. 

All  things  work  together  for  good  to  them  that  love 
God. 


LEGENDS  OF   VIRTUE.  239 


THE   DIVINE  CHILD  AT  PLAY. 

THE  old  story-tellers  who  relate  these  wonderful  things 
about  Jesus  did  not  mean  to  tell  simply  wonderful 
things,  but  meant  to  tell  sweet  things,  that  sliowed  a 
lovely  disposition  in  the  little  child.  They  liked  to  think 
of  him  at  his  play  with  other  children  of  the  village. 
They  saw  no  reason  why,  because  he  was  so  gooil,  he 
should  be  sober  and  grave  ;  why  he  should  not  laugh  and 
sing,  and  be  merry  :  quite  the  other  way.  It  seemed  to 
them  natural  that  he  should  be  even  merrier  than  other 
children,  because  he  was  so  good.  Why  not  ?  Should 
not  a  pure  heart  be  happy  ?  Should  not  a  loving  heart 
be  joyous  ?  Should  not  a  simple,  trusting  heart  be  full 
of  song  ?  Jesus,  when  a  child,  they  said,  sported  like  a 
child.  Sometimes  they  imagined  him  as  amusing  him- 
self in  his  father's  workshop,  busy  with  hammer  and  saw, 
making  tables  or  chairs,  or  nailing  pieces  of  woo<l  together 
in  the  form  of  a  cross ;  but  more  often  they  thought  of 
him  as  the  centre  of  a  merry  group  of  little  people  busy 
by  the  bank  of  a  stream,  or  in  the  ganlen,  making  fig- 
ures of  clay.  On  one  occasion,  they  tell  that  he  fash- 
ioned, along  with  the  rest,  a  great  number  of  sparrows 
from  the  soft  mud  of  a  brook.  When  they  were  finished, 
the  bOys  placed  them  on  a  fence,  all  in  a  row,  and  said 
among  themselves,  *•  What  shall  wo  do  with  them  now 
that  they  are  made  ?  "  One  cried,  "  Let  us  stand  of!"  at 
a  distance,  and  throw  stones  at  them  ;  and  he  that  hits 
the  greatest  number  shall  be  our  cliief "  Another  ex- 
claimed, "  No,  no  !  let  us  not  do  that ;  Kit  us  leave  them 
where  are,  and  see  how  long  they  will  sit  on  the  fence." 
A  third  thought  it  would  bo  a  good  idea  lor  each  to  carrj  ' 


240  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

his  bird  home,  and  keep  it  in  a  safe  place.  Wl.cn  all  had 
spoken,  and  no  plan  could  be  agreed  on,  Jesus  said, 
"Why  should  we  make  things,  and  then  destroy  them? 
Suppose  wc  make  them  fly  away,  and  enjoy  themselves 
in  the  air."  The  boys  broke  out  into^aughter  at  the 
idea  of  mud-sparrows  with  wings.  But  Jesus  breathed 
on  them,  and  away  they  flew  out  of  sight.  The  old 
story  goes  on  to  say,  that  the  children  were  afraid  of  their 
wonderful  companion  because  he  had  such  power.  They 
should  have  loved  him  because  he  had  such  goodness. 
He  would  give  all  the  happiness  he  could.  He  was  un- 
willing that  even  a  mud-sparrow  should  be  nothing  more 
than  a  mud-sparrow.  The  loving  heart  that  would  give 
life  and  happiness  to  the  smallest  creatures  often  gives 
the  power  to  do  it.  A  tender  sympathy  will  sometimes 
make  the  dying  live. 


THE  DIVINE   CHILD  WITH  HIS    COMPANIONS. 

THE  story  of  the  mud-sparrows  shdws  how  kind  the 
heavenly  Child  was  to  inanimate  things.  He  was  a 
giver  of  life  and  joy.  He  would  bless  every  thing  his 
Father  had  made  ;  and  he  would  make  nothing  himself, 
except  to  bless  it.  If  he  was  so  noble  towards  his  play- 
things, how  noble  must  he  not  have  been  towards  his 
playmates ! 

One  of  the  neighbors  had  a  little  boy  about  the  age  of 
Jesus,  whose  name  was  Judas.  It  was  the  same  Judas, 
who,  as  a  man,  joined  the  company  of  Jesus'  friends,  and 
afterward  betrayed  him.      He  was  a  bad  boy  always. 


LEGENDS  OF  VIRTUE.  241 

His  temper  was  so  violent,  that  none  liked  to  play  with 
hiin ;  and  it  was  a  common  saying  all  through  the  village, 
*-hat  Judas  hatl  a  devil  inside  of  him.  His  favorite  trick 
was  to  bite  all  who  came  near  him.  No  punishment 
would  correct  him  of  this  bad  htibit.  His  parents  de- 
spaired of  his  mending.  The  neighbors  were  afraid  of 
him,  and  kept  their  children  out  of  his  way.  One  day  it 
chanced,  that,  as  Jesus  and  his  little  friends  were  at  pi  ly 
together,  this  Judas  appeared.  His  mother  had  sent 
him  out,  thinking  that  the  in6uence  of  Jesus,  whose 
sweetness  was  favorable  over  the  neighborhood,  might  be 
wholesome  for  him,  and  perhaps  cure  his  terrible  temper. 
As  he  came  into  the  circle,  a  dead  silence  fell  upon  the 
merry-makers.  The  laughter  ceased.  The  lads  one  by 
one  crept  away,  and  Jesus  was  left  alone.  The  sight  of 
him,  as  he  stood  still,  made  Judas  more  violent  than  ever: 
he  was  beside  himself  with  rage.  He  uttered  a  fearful 
cry,  and,  rushing  on  Jesus,  tried  to  bite  him ;  but  a  strange 
power  kept  him  away.  Again  and  again  he  tried,  gnash- 
ing his  teeth,  and  foaming  at  his  mouth  ;  but  still  be  did 
not  succeed.  Jesus  stood,  pale  and  ({uiet,  looking  at  him, 
with  his  great  blue  eyes  shining  through  their  tears  of 
pity,  and  seeming  to  look  into  his  very  heart.  Failing  at 
last  to  strike  him  with  bis  teeth,  Judas  put  on  a  cunning 
smile  ;  and  creeping  close  to  the  calm,  lx>autiful  boy,  ho 
dealt  him  a  severe  blow  in  the  side.  The  tears  of  pity 
in  the  great  blue  eyes  changed  to  tears  of  pain  ;  a  little 
cry  escaped  from  the  sweet  lips ;  but,  in  an  instant,  the 
noble  boy's  arms  were  thrown  round  the  neck  of  the  fu- 
rious lad,  and  a  tender  voice  was  murmuring  in  his  ear 
words  of  forgiveness.  On  the  instant,  Satan  went  out  of 
Judas  for  that  time,  and  for  many  days.  He  became  a 
good  l>oy,  and  tbllowed  Jesus  as  a  dis<-iple,  till  avarice 
and  ambition  seized  upon  him,  and  Satan  once  more  en- 
1« 


242  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

tenid  into  him.  This  Judas  was  Judas  the  betrayer; 
and  the  spear  that  pierced  the  side  of  Jesus  on  the  cross 
entered  at  the  same  spot  where  the  boy  Judas  struck. 

Jesus  was  always  kind  to  his  playmates.  It  is  related 
in  these  (juaint  old  books,  that  once,  on  a  beautiful  sum- 
mer's day,- he  was  making  merry  with  his  companions  in 
a  lovely  grove  just  outside  of  the  village.  They  were 
playing  king,  and  Jesus  was  king.  They  had  made  a 
throne  of  soft  green  turf,  heaped  up  with  wild-flowers, 
and  placed  Jesus  upon  it.  On  his  head  he  wore  a  crown 
of  palm-leaves.  In  his  hand  he  held  a  palm-branch.  A 
chain  of  white  lilies  was  round  his  neck.  His  bright  hair 
flowed  over  his  shoulders  in  thick  golden  curls.  The 
little  boys  and  girls  pretended  to  be  subjects  of  the  beau- 
tiful boy.  They  marched  before  him,  blowing  their  little 
trumpets  of  reeds.  They  exercised  before  him  as  sol- 
diers. They  brought  requests  to  him,  bending  their  sun- 
ny heads  and  their  knees. 

Whoever  passed  that  way,  whether  man,  woman,  or 
child,  must  stop,  and  pay  homage  to  the  child-monarch. 
If  they  did  not  wish  to  come,  if  they  were  tired,  or  in  haste, 
a  dozen  little  hands  laid  hold  on  them,  and  dra,<rged  them 
gayly  up  to  the  foot  of  the  mimic  throne  ;  and,  when  onco 
there,  no  one  was  unwilling  to  salute  the  lovely  boy  with 
the  noble  face  and  the  great  eyes  of  heavenly  blue. 
•  They  had  played  in  this  way  a  long  time,  when  there 
came  along  some  men,  bearing  a  sick  boy  on  a  bier.  lie 
was  very  pale  and  faint,  and  looked  as  if  he  would  die  in 
a  moment.  The  children  greeted  the  funeral-procession 
gravely,  and  said  to  the  men,  "  You  must  &top :  you  can- 
not go  farther  till  you  have  saluted  our  king."  Tire 
men  were  annoyed  at  being  brought  to  a  halt  in  this  way, 
when  they  were  in  great  haste  to  carry  the  sick  boy  home 
to  his  mother  ;  but  the  children  insisted  that  they  should 


LEGENDS  OF  VIRTUE.  243 

not  go  on  till  they  had  saluted  their  king.  The  bearers 
protested  that  they  must  go  on ;  that  the  lad  might  die 
before  he  could  be  seen  by  a  physician  :  they  had  not  a 
moment  to  lose ;  and,  even  if  the  case  were  less  urgent 
than  it  was,  they  could  not  stay  for  sport.  Still  the  chil- 
dren would  not  give  way  ;  come  they  must,  and  do  hom- 
age to  their  king.  So  they  came,  and  set  down  the  bier 
before  Jesus,  complaining  to  him  of  the  rudeness  of  the 
children. 

Jesus,  seeing  tlie  little  pale  face,  asked  who  the  lad 
•was,  and  what  had  happened  to  him.  lie  had  been  bit- 
ten by  a  serpent,  they  said,  and  poisoned.  "  Was  it  far 
from  here ?'''a;'ked  the  boy-king.  "No;  but  a  lew  rods 
away,"  they  replied.  "  Let  us  go  to  the  place ;  and  bring 
the  sick  boy  too."  There  was  nothing  to  bo  said:  so  the 
bearers  led  the  way  back  to  the  s|)ot  they  came  from, 
followed  by  the  young  king  and  his  courtiei-s.  Soon  they 
came  to  a  cave,  Jesus  walked  boldly  in,  and  shortly  re- 
appeared with  —  what  do  you  think,  in  his  hand  V  A  long 
snake,  which  he  grasped  firmly  by  the  neck.  Approaching 
the  si>:k  boy,  who  lay  quite  still,  with  closed  eyes,  and 
frame  already  stiiTening,  be  put  the  snake's  head  to  the 
wound,  and  bade  him  suck  out  the  pr>ison  he  had  instilled. 
Thi-  re[)tile  did  so:  the  child  slowly  opened  his  eyes;  the 
color  came  to  his  cheeks ;  he  moved  ;  he  rose  up ;  he 
looked  gratefully  into  the  face  of  his  deliverer.  The  ser- 
pent lay  dead  at  the  foot  of  the  bier. 


244  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 


EVILS  QUICICLY  KILLED  IN  THE   SEED. 

IN  the  hoary  times  of  old,  a  host  of  men  quitted  their 
dwelling-places,  and  wandered  down  to  the  land 
through  which  the  River  Nile  Hows.  They  rejoiced  at  the 
hight  of  the  magnificent  river,  and  built  huts  on  its 
banks.  Soon  after,  the  terrible  monster  called  the  croc- 
odile came  from  the  floods,  destroying  both  man  and 
beast  in  its  horrid  jaws.  Tlien  the  people  cried  with  a 
loud  voice  to  their  god  Osiris  to  free  tllcm  from  the 
monster.  And  Osiris  answered  by  the  mouth  of  the 
wise  priests,  saying,  "  Is  it  not  enough  that  the  deity 
gave  you  strength  and  reason  ?  He  who  im[jlores  for 
help,  without  using  his  own  power,  will  call  in  vain." 

Then  they  seized  swords  and  staves,  and  besieged  the 
monster  in  his  marshy  abode.  They  erected  walls  and 
dikes ;  and,  in  a  few  days,  they  completed  works,  which, 
before,  they  dreamed  not  of  their  power  to  do.  So  they 
became  conscious  of  that  hidden  power,  by  which,  in 
later  times,  the  mighty  pyramids  and  obelisks  were 
erected  ;  and  they  invented  many  tools,  and  became 
acquainted  with  arts  which  they  did  not  know  before. 

For,  by  the  combat  against  hostile  powers,  the  dormant 
abilities  of  man  are  roused. 

However,  the  people  were  in  want  of  proper  weapons 
fully  to  vanquish  the  scaly  monster  of  the  flood.  Tliey 
were  only  able  to  repel  its  attacks  for  a  short  time,  and 
were  content  therewith. 

By  degrees,  the  zeal  to  defend  themselves  grew  faint. 
The  monsters  increased  and  multiplied,  and  their  fury 
became  more  and  more  terrible.      Then  the  foolish  and 


LEGENDS  OF  VIRTUE.  245 

degenerating  people  resolved  to  worship  the  crocodile  a> 
a  god.  Voluntarily,  they  offered  sacrifices  :  the  monster 
became  more  powerful  than  ever;  but  the  people  were 
sunk  in  cowardice  and  stupor. 

The  bow  which  is  forever  on  the  stretch  will  break  at 
last,  and  the  revenge  will  reach  the  tyrant.  Osiris  had 
compassion  on  the  miserable  people,  and  encouraged 
them  to  new  exertions  by  the  mouth  of  the  wise  priest. 
Then  the  banks  of  the  river  echoed  with  the  shouts  of 
the  warriors,  and  the  waters  became  red  with  the  blood 
of  the  slain.  The  strength  of  the  combatants  began  to 
fail :  then  the  priest  and  the  distressed  people  called 
to  Osiris  for  help,  and  the  deity  listened  in  mercy  to 
their  cry. 

A  little  animal,  the  ichneumon,  appeared  on  the  banks 
of  the  Nile. 

"  Behold,"  exclaimed  the  priest,  "  Osiris  sends  help  1 " 

"  How  !  do:*t  thou  mock  us  ?  "  cried  the  people.  Then 
the  priest  answered,  and  said,  "  Wait  for  the  issue,  and 
confide  in  the  supreme  power.  By  the  hand  of  the 
deity,  jrreat  things  may  be  brought  to  pass  by  trilling 
means." 

The  number  of  the  terrible  monsters  decreased  visibly. 
The  people  beheld  witii  admiration  how  the  little  animal 
was  searching  diligently  for  the  eggs  and  the  young  of  the 
crocodile.  Thus  it  destroyed,  in  a  short  time,  the  lives 
of  hundreds  of  those  formidable  tyrants  of  the  Nile,  and 
rtileased  the  land  of  its  plague,  —  a  thing  that  so  many- 
heads  aiul  hands  had  not  been  able  to  accomplish. 

"  Sec  ! "  said  the  wise  priest :  "  if  you  wi^h  to  extin- 
guish an  evil,  attatrk  its  germs  and  roots.  Then  a 
trifle  may  do  what,  afterwanls,  the  united  efforts  of 
Kuiny  will  be  unable  to  bring  to  pass." 


246  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 


THE  BEST  USE  FOR  A  GIFT. 

A  COUNTRYMAN  brought  from  town  five  of  the 
finest  peaches  that  were  to  be  had.  His  children 
had  never  seen  such  before :  therefore  thej'  were  highly 
delighted  to  see  the  beautiful  fruit,  with  its  red  cheeks 
and  delicate  bloom.  The  father  divided  them  among 
his  four  boys,  and  gave  one  to  their  mother.  In  the 
evening,  when  the  children  were  going  into  the  little 
bedroom,  he  asked  them,  "  Well,  how  did  jon  like  the 
nice  peaches  ?  " 

"  Very  much  indeed,  dear  father,"  said  the  eldest 
boy.  "  It  is  a  delicious  fruit,  of  so  luscious  and  delicate 
a  flavor !  I  have  taken  care  of  the  stone,  and  mean  to 
grow  a  tree." 

"  Well  done  !  "  answered  the  father.  "  It  is  the  duty 
of  a  country-man  to  be  economical,  and  to  think  of  the 
future." 

"  I  ate  mine  up  directly,"  exclaimed  the  youngest, 
"  and  threw  the  stone  away ;  and  mother  gave  me  half 
of  hers.  Oh,  how  sweet  it  was !  how  it  melts  in  one's 
mouth  !  " 

•*  Well,"  said  the  father,  "  you  have  not  done  very 
■wisely,  but,  at  all  events,  like  a  child.  You  have  still 
time  enough  in  life  to  become  prudent" 

Then  the  second  son  began,  "  I  picked  np  the  stone 
which  my  little  brother  threw  away,  and  opened  it. 
There  was  a  kernel  inside  as  sweet  as  an  almond  ;  but  1 
sold  my  own  peach,  and  received  so  much  money  for  it, 
that  I  may  buy  a  dozen  when  I  go  to  town." 

ITie  father  shook  his  head,  and  said,  "  That  is  cleyerij 


LEGENDS  OF  VIRTUE.  247 

done,  bat  not  like  a  child.  Heaven  preserve  thee  from 
becoming  a  trader !  " 

"■  And  vou,  Edmand  ?  "  asked  the  father. 

Edmund  answered  frankly,  "■  I  took  my  peach  to  the 
8on  of  our  neighbor,  sick  George,  who  has  the  fever.  -  He 
would  not  take  it :  so  I  pat  it  down  on  his  bed,  and  went 
away." 

"  Well,"  said  the  father,  "  who  has  made  the  best  use 
of  his  peach  ?  "  Then  all  the  boys  exclaimed,  "  Brother 
Edmund ! "  Edmand  was  silent,  and  hb  OKHher  em- 
braced him  with  tears  in  her  eyes. 


THE  INVISIBLE   KING. 

IN  a  distant  country  in  the  East,  there  lived  a  little 
tribe  in  idolatr}*  and  superstition.  It  came  to  pass 
that  they  qnarrelled  about  the  succesMon,  and  agreed,  at 
last,  to  choose  a  stranger  to  govern  them. 

They  met  a  man  of  the  bouse  of  Israel,  of  tlie  name 
of  Abiah,  and  chose  him  for  their  king.  It  was  about 
the  time  that  Sbalmaneser  had  destroyed  the  house 
of  Israel,  and  scattered  the  Israelites  throughout  the 
world.  • 

Abiah,  who  was  a  pious  man,  was  greatly  grieved  that 
he  should  reign  over  an  idolatrous  nation  ;  and,  when 
they  refused  to  leave  their  idob,  be  was  very  wroth. 
But  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  spake  to  him,  '■''  Thinke»t  thou 
I  cannot  destroy  their  idols  ?  And  yi-t  I  suffer  the  sua 
to  shine  upon  them.     Go,  and  do  tboo-  likewise." 


248  A  CniLD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

Then  Abiah  suffered  them,  and  reigned  wisely ;  for  he 
thought,  "  Perhaps  my  son  may  be  successful."  When 
the  hour  came  tliat  he  should  die,  he  said  to  the  people, 
"  Behold,  I  shall  die,  and  my  son  will  be  your  king. 
You  have  not  yet  seen  his  face  ;  but  ye  shall  know  his 
government  by  the  fruits  thereof.  Follow  him :  he  will 
lead  you  wisely." 

The  people  promised  to  do  so :  and,  when  Abiah  was 
dead,  they  obeyed  the  unknown  sovereign,  and  pros- 
pered greatly ;  for  his  doings  were  like  those  of  a  father, 
and  the  commands  that  issued  from  his  gates  were  full 
of  wisdom,  justice,  and  kindness.  Like  the  beams  of 
the  sun,  the  favor  of  the  unknown  monarch  was  spread 
abroad  over  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  land ;  and,  wher- 
ever there  was  want,  the  king's  help  was  sure  to  come. 
Then  they  all  marvelled,  and  said,  "  We  see  him  not : 
how  can  he  see  us  ? "  For  he  lived  concealed  in  his 
house,  and  no  man  had  beheld  his  face. 

The  people  longed,  therefore,  the  more  to  see  and  to 
bless  him ;  and  they  said,  "  AVe  have  our  gods  before  our 
eyes,  and  can  see  and  handle  them  :  why  may  we  not 
see  the  face  of  the  king,  wha  is  more  to  us  than  a 
father  ?  " 

Others  made  images  of  him,  according  to  their  own 
imaginings ;  and  each  man  said  of  his  own,  "  Behold, 
this  is  he :   he  must  be  like  unto  this !  " 

At  last,  their  desire  became  very  great ;  and  the  people 
assembled  before  the  gates  of  the  palace,  and  implored 
■with  one  voice,  "  Oh,  let  our  lord,  the  king,  suffer  us  to 
behold  his  face  !  " 

Thereupon  the  high  gates  were  opened,  and  the  king 
came  forth,  clothed  in  simple  raiment,  and  said,  "  Be- 
hold, I  am  your  king  1 " 

Then  the  people  blessed  him,  and  shouted  for  joy ; 


LEGENDS  OF  VIRTUE.  249 

bnti  when  they  looked  fixedly  at  him,  they  were  as- 
tonished, and  cried,  "  We  know  thy  face!"  For  he  liacj 
oft«n  walked  among  them,  but  they  had  not  known  him, 
thinking  him  to  be  a  servant  or  a  stranger. 

Then  the  king  beckoned  with  iiis  hand ;  and,  when  si- 
lence prevailed,  he  lifted  up  his  voice,  and  said,  "  Now 
you  see  that  I  am  a  man  like  you.  Think  ye  that  these 
hands  and  feet,  these  eyes  and  lips,  which  are  mortal  and 
perishable,  have  reigned  over  you  ?  Not  so.  Tliat 
•which  has  guided,  blessed,  and  gladdened  you  through 
me.  ye  cannot  see  ;  neither  can  I  see  it. 

"  C*n  you  see  wisdom  and  kindness  and  justice  ?  They 
•were  near  to  you  when  I  walked,  unrecognized,  among 
you.  Now  you  see  me ;  but  you  do  not  see  them.  Then 
judge  ye  what  is  in  my  earthly  form.  Can  the  visible 
create  the  invisible?  And  that  which  is  in  me  also  is 
not  mine,  but  His  who  made  me  your  king." 

Thus  spoke  this  e.xcellent  prince ;  and  the  people  re- 
turned to  their  homes,  blessing  and  thanking  him.  And 
they  broke  in  pieces  the  pictures  and  images  which  they 
had  made  of  him.  Soon  after,  they  also  broke  their 
idols,  and  believed  in  Ilim  who  is  invisible. 


250  A   CIIILiyB  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 


A  PARABLE  OF   CONSCIENCE. 

IN  a  village  on  the  Rhine,  a  schoolmaster  was  one  day 
teaching  in  his  school :  and  the  sons  and  daughters  of 
the  villagers  sat  around,  listening  with  pleasure ;  for  his 
teaching  was  healthful  and  kmdly.  He  was  speaking  of 
the  good  and  bad  conscience,  and  of  the  still  voice  of  the 
heart.  After  he  had  finished  speaking,  he  asked  his  pu- 
pils, "  Who  among  you  is  able  to  tell  me  a  parable  on 
this  matter  ?  " 

One  of  the  boys  stood  forth,  and  said,  "  I  think  I  can 
tell  a  parable  ;  but  I  do  not  know  whether  it  be  right." 

"  Speak  in  your  own  words,"  answered  the  master. 
And  the  boy  began :  "  I  compare  the  calmness  of  a  good 
conscience,  and  the  disquiet  of  an  evil  one,  to  two  paths 
on  which  I  walked  once.  When  the  enemy  passed 
through  our  village,  the  soldiers  carried  off  by  force  my 
dear  father  and  our  horse.  When  my  father  did  not 
come  back,  my  mother  and  all  of  us  wept  and  mourned 
bitterly,  and  she  sent  me  to  the  town  to  inquire  for  him. 
I  went :  but,  late  at  night,  I  came  back  sorrowfully ; 
for  I  had  not  found  my  father.  It  was  a  dark  night  in 
autumn.  The  wind  roared  and  howled  in  the  oaks  and 
firs,  and  between  the  rocks ;  the  night-ravens  and  owls 
were  shrieking  and  hooting  ;  and  I  thought  in  my  soul 
bow  we  had  lost  my  father,  and  of  the  misery  of  my 
mother  when  she  should  see  me  return  alone. 

"  A  strange  terror  seized  me  in  the  dreary  night, 
and  each  trembling  leaf  terrified  me.  Then  I  thought 
to  myself,  '  Such  must  be  the  feelings  of  a  man's  heart 
who  has  a  bad  conscience.'  " 


LEGENDS  OF  VIRTUE.  251 

"  My  children,"  said  the  master,  "  would  you  like  to 
•walk  in  the  darkness  of  night,  seeking  in  vain  for  your 
dear  father,  and  hearing  nought  but  the  roar  of  the 
storm  and  the  screams  of  the  beasts  of  prey  ?  " 

"  Oh,  no ! "  exclaimed  all  the  children,  shuddering. 

Then  the  boy  resumed  his  tale,  and  said,  "  Another 
time,  I  went  the  same  way  with  my  sister.  We  had  been 
fetching  many  nice  things  from  town  for  a  feast,  which 
father  was  secretly  preparing  for  mother,  to  surprise 
her  the  next  day.  It  was  late  when  we  returned ; 
but  it  was  in  spring :  the  sky  was  bright  and  clear ;  and 
all  was  so  calm,  that  we  could  hear  the  gentle  murmur 
of  the  rivulet  by  the  way,  and  on  all  sides  nightin- 
gales were  singing.  I  was  walking  hand  in  hand  with 
my  sister;  but  we  were  so  delighted,  that  we  hardly 
liked  to  speak.  Then  our  good  father  came  to  meet  us. 
Now  I  thought  again  to  myself,  '  Such  must  be  the  state 
of  a  man  who  has  done  much  good.'  " 

When  the  boy  had  finished  his  talc,  the  master  looked 
kindly  at  the  children,  and  they  said  earnestly,  "Yes: 
we  will  become  good  men." 


A    CHRISTMAS    SERVICE. 


I. 

Carol. 


2. 

Scripture  Lesson.- 

JOHN  i.  1-17.     LUKE  i.  68,  &c. ;  xi.  4-15. 


IT  was  the  calm  and  silent  night : 
Seven  liundred  years  and  fifty-three 
Had  Rome  been  growing  np  to  might, 
And  now  was  queen  of  land  and  sea. 

No  sound  was  heard  of  clashing  wars; 
Peace  brooded  o'er  the  hushed  domain  ; 

Apollo,  Pallas,  Jove,  and  Mars 
Held  undisturbed  their  ancient  reign 
In  .the  solemn  midnight, 
Centuries  ago. 

262 


A   CHRISTMAS  SERVICE.  253 

'Twas  in  the  calm  and  silent  night : 

The  senator  of  haughty  Rome, 
Impatient,  urged  his  chariot's  flight, 
♦  From  lordly  revel  rolling  home ; 
Triumphant  arches,  gleaming,  swell 

His  breast  with  thoughts  of  boundless  sway. 
What  recked  the  Roman,  what  befell 

A  paltry  province  far  away, 
In  the  solemn  midnight. 
Centuries  ago  ? 

Within'  that  province  far  away 

Went  plodding  home  a  weary  boor : 
A  streak  of  light  before  him  lay,  • 

Fallen,  through  a  half-shut  stable-door, 
Across  his  path.    He  passed ;  for  nought 

Told  what  was  going  on  within  : 
How  keen  the  stai-s,  his  only  thought ! 

The  air  how  calm  and  cold  and  thin  I 
In  the  solemn  midnight, 
Centuries  ago. 

Oh  strange  indifference !  low  and  high 

Drowsed  over  common  joys  and  cares : 
The  earth  was  still,  but  knew  not  wliy ; 

The  world  was  listening,  unawares. 
How  calm  a  moment  may  precede 

One  that  shall  thrill  the  world  forever  I 
To  that  still  moment  none  wouM  heed ; 

Han's  doom  was  linked,  no  more  to  sever. 
In  the  solemn  midnight. 
Centuries  ago. 


254         A  CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

It  is  the  calm  and  solemn  night : 

A  thousand  bells  ring  out,  and  throw 
Their  joyous  peals  abroad,  and  smite 

The  darkness,  charmed  and  holy  now. 
The  night  that  erst  no  name  had  worn, 

To  it  a  happy  name  was  given ; 
For  in  that  stable  lay,  new-born, 

The  peaceful  Prince  of  earth  and  heaven, 
In  the  solemn  midnight, 
Centuries  ago ! 

Alfred  DommeU. 

4. 

Hymn  or  Song. 

s- 
Lessons  or  Address. 

6. 

Festivities. 

7. 
Christmas  Carol, 

8. 

B  ene  diction. 


THE    OLD    YEAR. 


•     I. 
H  YMN. 


2, 

Scripture  I^esson. 

SERVICE-BOOK,  p.  96.      1  THESS.  chap.  t. 


RING  out,  wild  bells,  to  the  wild  sky, 
The  flying  cloud,  the  frosty  light : 
The  year  is  dying  in  the  night; 
Ring  out,  wild  bells,  and  let  him  die. 

Ring  out  the  old,  ring  in  the  new ; 
Ring,  happy  bells,  across  the  snow : 
The  year  is  going,  —  let  him  go ; 

Ring  out  the  false,  ring  in  the  true. 


256         A   GUILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

Ring  out  the  grief  that  saps  the  mind 
For  those  that  here  we  see  no  more  ; 
Ring  out  the  feud  of  rich  and  poor; 

Ring  in  redress  to  all  mankind. 

Ring  out  a  slowly-dying  cause, 
And  ancient  forms  of  party  stnfe ; 
Ring  in  the  nobler  modes  of  life, 

With  sweeter  manners,  purer  laws. 

Ring  out  the  want,  the  care,  the  sin. 
The  faitldess  coldness  of  the  .times  ; 
Ring  out,  ring  out,  my  mournful  rhymes ; 

But  ring  the  fuller  minstrel  in. 

Ring  out  false  pride  in  place  and  blood, 
The  civic  slander  and  the  spite ; 
Ring  in  the  love  of  truth  and  right. 

Ring  In  the  common  love  of  good. 

Ring  out  old  shapes  of  foul  disease, 
Ring  out  the  narrowing  lust  of  gold. 
Ring  out  the  thousand  wars  of  old ; 

Ring  in  the  thousand  years  of  peace. 

Ring  in  the  valiant  man,  and  free, 
The  larger  heart,  the  kindlier  hand ; 
Ring  out  the  darkness  of  the  land ; 

Ring  in  tlie  Christ  that  is  to  be. 

'  Alfred  Tennyson. 


THE  OLD   YEAR.  257 

4* 

Hymn  or  Song. 

5- 

Lessons  or  Address. 

6. 

THE  BLESSED  HOME. 

OHOME  of  Love !  we  sing  of  thee, 
Heavenly  land,  our  heavenly  land  I 
In  joyous  tones  of  melody, 

Heavenly  land,  our  heavenly  land  ! 
Thy  skies  are  clear,  thy  fields  are  fair, 
And  flowers  perfume  the  balmy  air. 
And  all  is  bright  and  radiant  there. 
Heavenly  land,  our  heavenly  land ! 

We  know  thy  homes  are  bright  and  fair, 

Heavenly  land,  our  heavenly  land  ! 
We  know  our  loved  ones  gather  there, 

Heavenly  land,  our  heavenly  land  ! 
And  troops  of  children  dance  and  play, 
And  weave  sweet  flowers  in  garlands  gay, 
And  gain  new. beauties  day  by  day. 
Heavenly  land,  our  heavenly  land ! 

IT 


258  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

Oh  !  let  the  voices  that  we  love, 

Heavenly  land,  our  heavenly  land ! 
Speak  from  the  radiant  home  above. 
Heavenly  land,  our  heavenly  land  I 
Oh  !  let  us  feel  the  glory  there 
Encompass  us  like  summer  air. 
And  keep  us  from  all  sin  and  care. 
Heavenly  land,  our  heavenly  land  1 

Thy  flowers  shall  strew  our  earthly  way, 
Heavenly  land,  our  heavenly  land ! 

Bright  eyes  shall  make  our  night  as  day. 
Heavenly  land,  our  heavenly  land ! 

We'll  tread  with  courage  then,  and  faith ; 

For  every  rugged  way  earth  hath 

May  be  to  thy  dear  shore  a  path. 
Heavenly  land,  our  heavenly  land  1 


7. 

Benediction. 


THE   NEW  YEAR. 


• 

I. 

Hymn. 

2. 

Scripture 

LESSON: 

REVELATION 

xxi.,  xxiL 

3. 

THE  NEW 

YEAR 

YOU   bells    in    the    steeple,  ring,  ring    out 
your  changes, 
How  many  soever  they  be  ; 
Ami    let   the   brown  meadow-lark's  note,  as  he 
ranges, 
Come  over,  come  over,  to  me. 

Yet  bird's  clearest  carol,  by  fall  or  by  swelling, 

No  magical  sense  conveys ; 
And  bells  have  forgotten  their  old  art  of  telling 

The  fortune  of  future  days. 

260 


2G0  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

"  Turn  again,  turn  again,"  once  they  rang  cheer- 

iiy, 

While  a  boy  listened  alone  ; 
Made  his  heart  yearn  again,  musing  so  wearily 
All  by  himself  on  a  stone.  , 

Poor  bells,  I  forgive  you.     Your  good  days  are 
over; 
And  mine  — they  are  yet  to  be. 
No  listening,  no  longing,  shall  aught,  aught  dis- 
cover : 
You  leave  the  story  to  me. 

The  foxglove  shoots  out  of  the  green  matted 
heather. 

And  hangeth  her  hoods  of  snow ; 
She  was  idle,  and  slept  till  the  sunshiny  weather  : 

Oh !  children  take  long  to  grow. 

I  wish,  and  I'  wish,  that  the   spring  would  go 
faster, 

Nc'r  long  summer  bide  so  late,' 
And  I  could  grow  on  like  the  foxglove  and  aster; 

For  some  things  are  ill  to  wait. 

I  wait  for  the  day  when   dear  hearts  shall  dis- 
cover. 

While  dear  hands  are  laid  on  my  head, 
"The  child  is  a  woman  ;  the  book  may  close  over; 

For  all  the  lessons  are  said." 


THE  NEW  TEAR.  2G1 

I  wait  for  ray  story :  the  birds  cannot  sing  it,  — 

Not  one,  as  he  sits  on  the  tree ; 
The  bells  cannot  ring  it ;  but  long  years,  oh,  bring 
it, 

Such  as  I  wish  it  to  be  I 

Jean  Ingffow. 
4. 

Hymn  or  Song. 

.   5- 

Lessons  or  Address. 


HYMN. 

HAND  in  hand  with  angels 
Through  the  world  we  go  : 
Brighter  eyes  are  on  us 
Than  we  blind  ones  know. 

Tenderer  voices  cheer  us 
Than  we  deaf  will  own  : 

Never,  walking  heavenward. 
Can  we  walk  alone. 


Hand  in  hand  with  angels : 
Some  are  put  of  sigjit, 

Leading  us,  unknowing, 
Into  paths  of  light. 


262  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

Some  soft  hands  are  covered 
From  our  mortal  grasp, 

Soul  in  soul  to  hold  us 
With  a  jSrraer  clasp. 

,  Hand  in  hand  with  angels 
•  Walking  every  day  : 

How  the  chain  may  brighten. 
None  of  us  can  say. 

Yet  it  doubtless  reaches 
From  eaitli's  lowest  one 

To  the  loftl^t  seraph 

Standing  near  the  throne. 


PLUCK  the  rose  while  blooming ; 
Now  'tis  fresh  and  bright ; 
Wait  not  till  to-morrow : 
Time  is  swift  in  flight. 

Do  thy  deeds  of  kindness 

Ere  to-morrow's  light ; 
What  may  come  we  know  not : 

Time  is  swift  in  flight. 

Wouldst  thon  make  life  useful, 

Work  before  'tis  night ; 
Else  thou'lt  be  regretting  : 

Time  is  swift  in  fliijht. 


7. 

Benediction. 


EASTER. 

I- 
Hymn. 

3. 

Scripture  Lesson: 

JOHN  XX.     1  COR.  XV. 


AWAKE,  thou  wintry  earth ! 
Fling  off  thy  sadness  1 
Fair  vernal  flowers,  laugh  forth 
Your  ancient  gla<lnes8l 
Christ  is  risen ! 

Wave,  woods,  your  blossoms  all ; 

Grim  Death  is  dead  ! 
Ye  weeping  fiincral-trccs, 

Lill  up  your  he.ad  ! 
Christ  is  risen ! 

2(13 


264  A   CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  RELIGION. 

Come,  see !  the  graves  are  green ; 

It  is  light :  let's  go 
Where  our  loved  ones  rest 

In  hope  below. 

Christ  is  risen ! 

All  is  fresh  and  new, 

Full  of  spring  and  light : 
Wintry  heart,  why  wear'st  the  hue 

Of  sleep  and  night  ? 
Christ  is  risen ! 

Leave  thy  cares  beneath; 

Leave  thy  worldly  love ; 
Begin  the  better  life 
With  God  above  ! 
Christ  is  lisen  I 

Thomas  Blachbum. 

4. 

EASTER  CAROL. 

LET  the  merry  church -bells  ring ; 
Hence  with  teare  and  sighing : 
Frost  and  cold  have  fled  from  spring  ; 

Life  hath  conquered  dying ; 
Flowers  are  smiling,  fields  are  gay, 

Sunny  is  the  weather: 
With  our  risen  Lord,  to-day, 
All  things  rise  together. 


EASTER.  265 

Let  the  birds  sing  out  again 

From  their  leafy  chapel, 
Praising  Him  with  whom  in  vain 

Sin  hath  sought  to  grapple. 
Sounds  of  joy  come  loud  and  clear 

As  the  breezes  flutter : 
"  He  arose,  and  is  not  here," 

Is  the  strain  they  utter. 

Let  the  past  of  grief  be  past ; 

This  our  comfort  giveth,  — 
He  was  slain  on  Friday  last, 

But  to-day  he  liveth  : 
Mourning  heart  must  needs  be  gay 

Out  of  sorrow's  prison, 
Since  the  very  grave  can  say, 

"  Christ  —  he  hath  arisen ! "       ^ 

Lessons  or  Address. 

6. 

Festivities. 

7- 

Hymn  or  Song. 

8. 

Benediction. 


WHITSUNDAY. 


I. 

Hymn. 

2. 

Scripture  Lesson. 

ISA.  It.     JOHN  iii. 


COME,  deck  our  feast  to-day 
With  flowers  and  wreaths  of  May ; 
And  bring  an  offering  holy,  pure,  and  sweet. 
The  Spirit  of  all  grace 
Makes  earth  his  dwelling-place  : 
Prepare  your  hearts  your  Lord  with  joy  to  meet  I 

O  golden  rain  from  heaven  ! 
Thy  precious  drops  be  given 
Upon  the  Church's  waiting,  thirsty  field ; 
266    . 


WHITSUNDAY.  267 

And  let  thy  waters  flow, 
Where'er  the  sowei-s  sow 
The  seed  of  Truth,  that  living  fruit  it  yield. 

Come,  O  thou  trackless  wind  ! 

Breathe  quickening  o'er  our  mind ; 
Let  not  Ihe  flesh  to  rule  the  soul  aspire  I 

O  sunshine  of  pure  love ! 

Thy  sweet  glow  let  us  prove, 
And  fill  our  hearts  with  thy  soft,  quenchless  fire. 

O  Spirit !  stir  our  will 

Its  high  aims  to  fulfil ; 
Be  with  us  always  when  we  go  and  come  j 

Deep  in  our  spirits  dwell, 

And  make  their  inmost  cell 
Thy  temple  pure,  thine  ever-holy  home. 

Schmokh. 
4- 

Hymn  or  Song. 

COME,  nOLY  SPIRIT. 

COME,  thou  Almighty  Will ! 
Our  fainting  bosoms  fill 
With  thy  great  power  : 
Strength  of  our  good  intents. 
Our  tempted  hours'  defence, 
Calm  of  faith's  confidence, 
Come  in  this  hour  I 


268  J    CHILD'S  BOOK  OF  ItELWION. 

Conic,  thou  most  tender  Love  I 
Within  onr  spirits  move, — 

Their  sweetest  guest  j 
Extinguish  passion's  fire, 
Exalt  each  low  desire. 
To  deeds  of  love  inspire, 

Quickeuer  and  Rest.  ' 

Come,  Light  serene  and  still  I 
Our  darkened  spirits  fill 
*  With  thy  clear  day ; 

Guide  of  the  feeble  sight. 
Star  of  grief's  darkest  night, 
Reveal  the  path  of  right, 
Show  us  thy  way  I 

5- 

Lesson  or  Address. 
Hymn  or  Song. 

LOVE  divine,  whose  constant  Ijeam 
Shines  on  the  eyes  that  will  not  see. 
And  waits  to  bless  us  while  we  dream, 
Thou  leav'st  us  when  we  turn  from  thee ! 

All  souls  that  struggle  and  aspire, 
All  hearts  of  prayer,  by  thee  are  lit; 

And,  dim  or  clear,  thy  tongues  of  fire 
On  dusky  tribes  and  centuries  sit. 


>y  » ' 


WniTSUNDAJ. 


269 


Nor  bounds  nor  clime  nor  creed  thou  know'st ; 

Wide  as  our  need  thy  favors  fall : 
The  white  wiags  of  the  Holy  Ghost 

Stoop,  unseen,  o'er  the  heads  of  all. 


Benediction. 


270  THE    CHRISTMAS    TREE. 

Words  by  Mss.  M.  N.  Meigs.  Music  by  Fued.  Schoumo. 


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THE  CHRISTMAS  TREE.  271 

There's  a  'wonderful  tree,  a  wonderful  tree, 

The  happy  children  rejoice  to  see, 

Spreading  its  branches  year  by  year. 

It  eomes  from  the  forest  to  flourish  here  ; 

Oh  !  this  wonderful  tree,  with  its  branches  wide, 

Is  always  blooming  at  Christmas-tide. 

'Tis  not  alone  in  the  summer's  sheen 

Its  boughs  are  broad,  and  its  leaves  are  green ; 

It  blooms  for  us  wbvn  the  wild  winds  blow, 

And  earth  is  white  with  feathery  snow  ; 

And  this  wonderful  tree,  with  its  branches  wide, 

Bears  many  a  gift  for  the  Christmas-tide. 

'Tis  all  alight  with  its  tapers'  glow. 

That  flash  on  the  shining  eyes  below. 

And  the  strange  Sweet  fruit  on  each  laden  bough 

Is  all  to  be  plucked  by  the  gatherers  now.    . 

Oh  !  this  wonderful  tree,  with  its  branches  wide. 

We  hail  it  with  joy  at  the  Christmas-tide. 

And  a  voice  is  telling,  its  boughs  bmong, 

Of  the  shepherds'  watch  and  angels'  song; 

Of  a  holy  Babe  in  a  manger  low, 

The  beautiful  story  of  long  ago, 

When  a  radiant  star  threw  its  beams  so  wide. 

To  herald  the  earliest  Chrislmas-tido. 


272    HARK!    A    BURST    OF    HEAVENLY    MUSIC. 
Words  by  Mrs.  M.  N.  Meios.  Music  by  Fked.  Scuilliso. 


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HARK/  A  B  URST  OF  BE  A  VENL  T  MUSIC.     273 

Z Jf« c #-i p-l — -.i- , — >-, — IJ 

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Hark !  a  barst  of  heavenly  masie. 

From  a  bapd  of  seraphs  bright. 
Suddenly  to  earth  descending, 

In  the  calm  and  silent  night : 
To  the  shepherds  of  Judea, 

Watching  in  the  earliest  dawn, 
Lo,  they  Ik-bt  the  joyful  tidings, 

Jesus,  Trince  of  Peace  is  born ! 
CKopw.— Sweet  and  clear  those  angel  voices, 

Echoing  through  the  starry  sky. 
As  they  chant  the  heavenly  chonu, 

"  Glory  be  to  God  oo  high." 

Slumbering  in  a  lowly  manger 

Lies  the  Master  of  us  all, 
And  before  the  holy  Stranger 

Sec  the  trembling  shepherds  fall. 
He  has  come,  the  long-expected, 

Full  of  wisdom,  love  and  grace. 
Come  to  help  us  weary  mortals, 

Come  to  bless  our  human  race. 
Cftonu.— So  let  angels  wake  the  chonu, 

So  let  happy  men  reply ; 
Chanting  the  celestial  anthem, 

"Glory  be  to  God  on  high." 

And  this  joyful  Christmas  mommg , 

Breaking  o'er  the  world  below, 
Tells  again  the  wondrous  story 

Shepherds  heard  so  long  ago  ; 
Who  bhall  still  our  tuntful  voices, 

Who  the  tide  of  praise  shall  stem. 
Which  the  blessed  anjjcls  taught  at 
In  the  fields  of  Bcthlehemr 
€loni«. — Hark  t  wo  hoar  again  the  rhomt, 
Ring'nir  through  the  starry  nky; 
■>      And  we  join  the  heavenly  anthem, 
"  Glory  l»o  to  God  en  high  I  " 
18 


^ 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  AT  LOS  ANGELES 
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